One of the rights you have if you are ever arrested is to the right to remain silent. This is perhaps the most important thing you can do until you have a lawyer present because the stress of the situation may cause you to accidentally incriminate yourself.
One of the things you're allowed to do before you are interrogated by the police is to confer with your attorney in private. After this is done however, you need not face questioning alone as your lawyer can be with you during the session.
If an indigent person becomes involved in a crime, he will need a lawyer to help him out. However, given his status, there's no way he will be able to afford a private attorney so the state will have to provide him one from the public attorney's office.
In order to be able to craft a credible defense, a criminal attorney will have to know everything about a case he or she is working. As such, they can be expected to question their clients very thoroughly and read through resolved cases that may set favorable precedents.
If the evidence is overwhelming and a successful defense is unlikely, a criminal attorney may counsel his client to take a plea. This bargain will result in a guilty verdict but should lighten any penalties that a defendant will face.
If the case of a criminal defendant doesn't look too good, one thing that his attorney may try is to plea bargain. Of course, this strategy is something that will depend on the prosecutor as he will have to evaluate the deal being offered.
While education provides the foundation for a criminal lawyer's career, what will ultimately drive his or her success is experience. As such, you can expect high profile attorneys to have fought a lot of battles to be where they are now.
While people who have resources will hire a criminal attorney from a private firm, those who are indigent will be assigned one by the government. However, it would be wrong to think that one is better than the other as both camps have a great deal of experience and always play to win.
What is a no contest plea? Legally known as nolo contendre (I do not wish to contend), this sees a defendant neither admitting or denying a charge. While having the same consequences as a guilty plea, those using this defense do not actually admit fault and therefore can't be held liable in civil courts.
If you're not telling your lawyer everything for fear of incriminating yourself, you'll be relieved to know that this can't happen. This is because the attorney-client privilege will be in place so you can rest assured that your counsel will never reveal anything to anyone.
If you're being accused of a crime, it's important to keep silent because what you say can quite possibly be used against you. However, this all changes when your attorney interviews you, so you're going to need to be to be very forthcoming with anything you know.
A felony is considered a serious crime. Felony crimes, which can range from grand larceny to murder, are punishable by a prison term of one year or longer. Those arrested on felony charges typically have their bail set at $10,000 or more.
Your attorney is your best asset if you have been charged with a crime. His or her expertise is in understanding the laws and protocols of the legal system and is able to use that knowledge to create your defense.
Depending on the company you work for, a DUI conviction could cost you your job. Don't give in to the system and face the courts alone - contact a qualified attorney specializing in DUI defense.
It is of utmost importance that you be completely honest and open with your attorney. The role of the attorney is not to judge you but to provide you with absolutely the best defense possible, regardless of your guilt or innocence.
If you are arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony, you need to engage an attorney who specializes in criminal defense. While all attorneys have some knowledge of the criminal defense system, an attorney specializing in this field of law is a better choice.
If there's a warrant out for your arrest, and bail has been set, you may be able to post bond without being incarcerated if you work through an attorney. Many law firms have the ability to post bond for you.
Because a defendant is considered innocent to proven guilty, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution who must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A defendant does not have to do or say anything to prove his or her innocence.
Failing to use a lawyer in a criminal case can have serious ramifications. Even the brightest individual can be swallowed up by the legal system and pay the most severe penalties.
Do not give information to the police, other than who you are, where you live and why you're in a location, even if they promise to go easy if you cooperate. Police are not empowered to make deals. Wait until you receive legal advice.
Even a misdemeanor can have serious consequences, including jail time and substantial fines. Never take chances with the legal system – trust an attorney to help.
An attorney can do more than represent you. He or she may be able to arrange bail to keep you from having to spend any more time in jail than is necessary. A phone call is all that is needed.
