You should consult a criminal defense lawyer if you are unsure whether you need one. Criminal defense attorneys can influence the outcome of a criminal investigation or trial. Your criminal defense lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected during the police investigation. After the charges have been filed, he will review the criminal justice system and challenge the government’s case at trial.
AFTER CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED
Before you receive a citation, warrant, or other notice, you may not be aware that you require an attorney. You may not be contacted by law enforcement officers after they have concluded their investigation. Even if law enforcement officers contact you, they may not have made it clear that they intend to file charges. Lawyers are usually retained once criminal charges have been filed.
You should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately if you are given notice of felony or misdemeanor allegations against you. Your life could be changed by criminal charges. Utah felony charges can lead to imprisonment of zero years or life, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000.00. Utah misdemeanors can be punished with a one-year sentence and a maximum fine of $2,500.00. Your criminal defense lawyer will be an integral part of negotiating a favorable plea agreement or obtaining a not guilty verdict in trial.
The work of your defense lawyer begins the moment he is hired. You may be required to post bail in certain cases or remain in custody. The arresting officer must read to you a statement outlining your rights at the time of the Orange County arrests. Your right to an attorney is protected. You should have your attorney present at all times you are being interrogated while in custody. An attorney can help you reduce your bail or secure your release through a pretrial surveillance agency.
Your attorney will request discovery from you and assess the evidence in order to help you decide your options. Your attorney will be present at pretrial conferences where he will discuss the case with the prosecutor and negotiate for a dismissal of or reduction in charges. Your attorney will file any relevant pretrial motions, and prepare your case for trial if a plea agreement cannot be reached.
BEFORE CHARGES ARE FILED
To obtain confessions or other information, law enforcement officers often contact suspects prior to the filing of charges.
Do not speak to the police. There is no obligation for you to help in criminal investigations. You have the right not to speak and to have an attorney present during interrogation. You should be aware of your rights as the investigating officers will not have to inform you about your right to counsel at any stage of the investigation. Unless you are taken into custody and placed under arrest, you will not be informed about your constitutional rights. Often, officers mislead suspects to believe that an attorney is not required during routine questioning.
You should immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer if you are contacted by police. Your attorney will make sure that you don’t give the police any evidence or statements that could be used against you. Your attorney will also investigate and preserve any evidence that may be favorable to your case. Your attorney will present favorable evidence to convince prosecutors not to file criminal charges against Polk County arrests.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
You may also be subject to criminal investigations if you exhibit other warning signs. You may have been involved in criminal activity and your co-conspirator displays unusual behavior. He could be cooperating with the police. Your boss may be looking through files or sitting at his computer, and you might suspect him of wrongdoing. Trust your gut instincts. It is usually true if something feels off.
Many criminal defense lawyers do not advise clients who plan to commit future crimes. Your criminal defense attorney will be able to advise you about the possible consequences of any prior criminal activity. Your attorney can communicate with the police to find out the status of your criminal investigation. This will help you to reduce or avoid Manatee County mugshots.