jacksonville criminal defense
jacksonville criminal defense attorney
jacksonville criminal defense attorney
If you have asked yourself whether you must utilize a criminal defense attorney, the solution is most definitely "yes." Criminal defense lawyers have the capability to affect caused by a criminal examination or trial. Your criminal defense attorney will ensure that your rights are protected through the police investigation, will browse the criminal justice system after charges have been submitted, and will challenge the government's case against you at trial.
AFTER CHARGES ARE FILED
May very well not realize you will need an attorney until you are issued a citation or served with a warrant. Police officers may conclude their investigation without ever making contact with you. Even if you were contacted by police, the officers may not need informed you of these intent to file charges. For these reasons, lawyers are usually retained after criminal charges have already been filed. jacksonville criminal defense attorney
If you obtain notice that felony or misdemeanor charges are pending against you, you ought to immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. Criminal charges have the potential to improve the course of your life. Utah felony charges are punishable with imprisonment for zero years your and with a fine as high as $10,000.00. Utah misdemeanor charges are punishable with imprisonment for one year and a fine as high as $2,500.00. Your criminal defense attorney will play an important role in obtaining a great plea deal or obtaining a not guilty verdict at trial.
Your defense lawyer's work begins as soon as he is hired. In some instances, you may well be arrested and required to publish bail or remain in custody. At the time of arrest, the arresting officer must read you a statement of your rights. You have a right to an attorney, and your attorney ought to be present for all questioning that develops when you are in custody. Your attorney may also assist you in reducing your bail or securing your release by way of a pretrial supervision agency.
Once you have been released from jail and made your first appearance in court, your attorney will obtain discovery and evaluate the evidence to determine your options. Your attorney will attend pretrial conferences, where he will negotiate with the prosecutor to secure a dismissal or reduced charges. If a plea agreement is not reached, your attorney will file relevant pretrial motions and ready your case for trial.
BEFORE CHARGES ARE FILED
Police officers frequently contact suspects before charges are filed, hoping of obtaining a confession and other information to assist in their investigation.
DO NOT SPEAK TO THE POLICE. You have no obligation to help in criminal investigations. You have the proper to keep silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. It is essential that you are aware of your rights, because investigating officers aren't required to see you of your right to counsel throughout the investigation stage. You will not be informed of your constitutional rights until you are placed directly under arrest and taken into custody. Actually, police officers often mislead suspects into believing that an attorney is not necessary during "routine questioning."
If you have been contacted by law enforcement, you ought to immediately retain a criminal defense attorney to communicate with law enforcement on your behalf. Your attorney will ensure that you do not provide law enforcement with any statements or evidence which could later be properly used against you. Your attorney will even work to investigate and preserve evidence that's favorable to your case. If favorable evidence exists, your attorney will use that evidence to persuade prosecutors not to file charges against you.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
There could be other signs that you're the main topic of a criminal investigation. If you have engaged in criminal activity, and your co-conspirator begins to exhibit unusual behavior, he may be working with the police. If you find your boss seated at your personal computer or going throughout your files, he may suspect wrongdoing. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong it usually is.
Most criminal defense attorneys have a policy against consulting with individuals who are about to commit the next crime. However, your criminal defense attorney can advise you on the likely consequences of prior criminal activity. Your attorney may also communicate with police agencies to determine the status of the criminal investigation and to help you in reducing or avoiding criminal charges.