Criminal Defense

The criminal justice system can be an overwhelming experience. Jail and prison sentence are imposed more often and for longer periods of time. If you are charged with a crime, it is vital that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney quickly. An experienced criminal defense attorney offers you the best protection of your constitutional rights.

Your case needs to be investigated properly to determine the best course of action for you. Even if you plan to enter a plea, it is critical that you know what information the state has to use against you. Only with knowing the facts of the case, can you resolve your matter in the best possible way for you.

For those people accused with the commission of a crime there are a few things that you need to know to protect yourself:

• If you are informed of your right to remain silent, do so. Do not talk to the police once you are read your rights. At this point, the police are only interested in obtaining evidence to convict you. They are not interested in getting to the truth.
• Remember that a statement you make to the police may be used against you even if you have not been read your rights. There are many tactics the police use to get incriminating information from you without reading you your rights. They only need to read you your rights prior to a custodial interrogation. This means that if you are not in custody (they often tell you that you are free to leave, or that they will not arrest you regardless of what you tell them) or the questions are not an interrogation (accusatory type questions, or spontaneous statements made by you), then the police do not need to read you your rights.
• Do not consent to anything. Often the police “ask” you if they can search your car or person. They make statements that sound like orders, but are not. If the police tell you that they plan to search your car or you, politely tell them that you do not consent to the search.
• Remember that the police are permitted to lie to you. Lying to a suspect is considered a legitimate investigation tool.
• ALWAYS REQUEST AN ATTORNEY PRIOR TO QUESTIONING. One of the most important rights you have is your right to an attorney.