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Criminal Defense
Our firm has extensive experience in handling criminal
cases.
A criminal defense lawyers can do much
more than simply question witnesses in court. A criminal
defense lawyer will:
-- Negotiate with prosecutors, often
arranging for reduced charges and lesser sentencing
-- Formulate sentencing programs
tailored to a client's specific needs, often helping defendants
avoid future brushes with the criminal justice system
-- Provide defendants with a reality
check, a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their
situation and what is likely to happen should their cases
go to trial. This perspective is vital for defendants
trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor's offered
"plea bargain"
-- Are familiar with important legal
rules because many criminal law rules are hidden away
in court interpretations of federal and state constitutions
-- Are familiar with local court
customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere
(for example, a defense lawyer may know which prosecutor
has the "real" authority to settle a case, and
what kinds of arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor)
-- Understand the possible "hidden
costs" of pleading guilty which a self-represented
person might never think about.
-- Spend crucial time on your case
-- Gather information from prosecution
witnesses
-- Hire and manage investigators,
who may be able to believably impeach (contradict) prosecution
witnesses who embellish or change their stories at trial.
People who have been recently arrested
need to talk to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
The most urgent priority is often getting a lawyer to
help arrange release and provide some information about
what's to come in the days ahead.
If you believe you
may be charged with a crime, or have been charged -- DO
NOT GIVE ANY STATEMENTS TO THE POLICE BEFORE SPEAKING
WITH A LAWYER.
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