If you have been accused of a crime, you need to understand your chances. First, even if you have been arrested, you are still presumed innocent until after court pronouncement. Also, you still have a chance to argue your case and regain your freedom. But you cannot do so yourself.
A criminal charge can range from mild to serious and can even attract life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime. Example of such crimes include
Possession of hard drugs, theft, fraud, murder, domestic violence, rape, forgery, and so on. You can also forfeit your properties with a sentence charge. This can be a pretty bad situation to be in, especially when you are sure of your innocence. The prospect of getting yourself out of the whole mess is the lining at the end of the tunnel, even though you cannot do it yourself, no matter how sure of your innocence you are. No one can help you better than a criminal defense attorney.
Criminal defense attorneys are specialized lawyers in the area of crime, which makes them different from civil lawyers or property lawyers. They are conversant with criminal law and have practiced it for years, representing so many cases.
Getting in touch with a criminal defence attorney from Miami should be the first thing you should do the moment you receive a charge or get arrested. He will explain your rights and give you options available to you. He would also evaluate your situation, trying to find out what chance you have for a plea at being innocent or guilty. Before anything else, he would tell you the possible chances you have, advising you on steps to take. But at the end of the day, he would follow your decision.
Even if you think your case is similar to one that has been handled before and you think you can do it on your own, it is not a good idea. This is because all criminal cases, like most law cases, are unique in their way. In your case, there may be factors that can be for you or against you, including time, venue, and so on. This is something your criminal defense lawyer would readily recognize and try to use it to your advantage.
A criminal defense lawyer can also help you gather evidence if you insist you are innocent. After carefully listening to your story, the attorney would be on the lookout for possible pieces of evidence, including physical ones to give credibility to your story.
Also, a criminal defense lawyer helps you with representation at court. He does not only advise you but stands for you at court, to receive questions, knowing what to say and what not to say. Being skilled in criminal law enables them to know how to research and argue your case properly.
If, however, you are admitting your guilt, the attorney can still help you get the least possible sentence. This could include getting a lesser prison sentence or avoiding having to forfeit your property. He may also help you avoid jail time totally, by settling for community service, a fine settlement, or even a warning.
No matter the crime, a criminal defense attorney is the best option you have and you should pay attention when picking one.
You will want an attorney that has handled crimes similar to the one you are being accused of. This gives you a better chance of having success in court. It also means that the attorney will have the necessary experience needed to handle your case. When hiring an attorney, make it a point to ask relevant questions to find out the attorney's experience and success rate in representing people with similar crimes.
You should also pick an attorney that is familiar with the laws of your state. Different states have different criminal laws, making it very important that your attorney must know the criminal laws present in your state. A good tip here is to go for a local attorney, someone within your locality and familiar with the court you are to be tried at.
Another thing is, you should go for an attorney that you feel comfortable with. Experiences and success rates do not account for anything if you do not like the attorney you are working with. Pick someone easy to communicate with, someone who easily listens, and someone who will be honest with you. Your lawyer may be sympathetic, which is a good trait, but you don't want someone that is so emotional to the extent that they become less realistic with you.
At Stroleny Law, P.A., we have a team of criminal defense attorneys waiting to help you today. No matter how bad you think the crime is or believe you are out of time, we can help you settle for the best option you can get. Contact us today.
