How to find out whether you need an attorney and when to hire an attorney.
 

If you are even asking that question, chances are you should call us NOW! If for nothing else, you need to find out whether or not you actually need representation. That is something one of our experienced attorney can fully explore with you after they are familiar with the facts of your case. Criminal defense is a highly specialized area of law. We know the law, we know the system, we understand what you are going through, and we know how to get you the results you expect.


If I am really innocent won't the charges be dismissed?

We all like to think that truth and justice prevails, but unfortunately that does not always happen. Think of how many times you have heard about someone who was released from prison after 20 years because he was falsely accused and convicted. This makes it all the more necessary to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney. Just because you know that you are innocent does not mean that you will ultimately be found innocent. The only way to ensure that your rights are fully protected and that the evidence is presented with effective advocacy. Only your attorney can provide you with proper legal representation.


What if my case is still under investigation and no charges have been filed against me?

Any evidence in your favor needs to be investigated and preserved by your attorney as early as possible. Only experienced and creative attorneys know what to look for and how to paint the best picture in your best interest. Having the right attorney during the early course of the investigation may lead the prosecutor to not file charges against you. It is often easier to convince prosecutors not to file charges in the first place, than to convince them to dismiss charges once filed. It is important to note that police and prosecutors are not in the business of giving people the benefit of doubt before they file charges. They often make mistakes.


Should I speak with the Police?

NO! NO! NO! DO NOT make a statement and sign nothing without an attorney there on your side. The role of the police is to gather evidence to convict you of a crime. Speaking to the police is an extremely important & complex decision, which can only be made with the advice of our competent legal staff. If the police think that you will talk, they may try to interview you. It is legal for the police to lie to you in order to get you to make incriminating statements. A favorite tactic is: "I'll talk to the prosecutor and tell them you were cooperative." The police are allowed to and regularly use deceptive tactics. So remember, the police are not there to clear you of suspicion, but to gather evidence against you.


What can my lawyer do if the charges have already been filed?

Your lawyer will evaluate the evidence and determine the strength of the prosecutor's case. Sometimes prosecutors are misguided about the strength of their evidence and can be persuaded to dismiss after hearing both sides of the story. But be warned, prosecutors are attorneys paid to put you away and will use anything you tell them against you. That is why you need an attorney to handle those conversations without helping the prosecutor make a case against you. If the evidence is not enough to obtain a dismissal of charges, your attorney will evaluate and discuss with you whether it is in your best interest to go trial or to obtain a negotiated plea bargain. Only a one of our experienced trial attorneys can evaluate your chances for success at trial. If you decide to go to trial, we will have developed a defense case to persuade the jury that there is a reasonable doubt as to whether you are guilty of the charges. We use many tools to determine the likelihood of success at trial:

Pre-trial Motions: The right pre-trial motions supported by solid evidence uncovered by investigation and expert review may result in the dismissal of your case, a significant reduction of the charges, or begin the foundation for a winning defense at trial.

Investigators: The police are limited in how they can investigate cases more than we are. We use private investigators to gather evidence to prove your innocence. Our investigators may discover and interview witnesses which may uncover evidence which attacks the honesty and credibility of your accuser.

Expert Witness: Our Expert Witnesses are used to attack and discredit those of the prosecutor's as well as forensic evidence or prepare defense evidence in specialized areas within their scientific fields, such as DNA, ballistic, fingerprints, psychiatry, blood alcohol, DNA, and many other fields.


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