As soon as possible! If you’ve been arrested or found out you’re being investigated for a crime, it’s crucial to reach out to an attorney right away. An experienced attorney will defend your constitutional rights and might stop you from accidentally giving evidence against yourself. This quick action could make all the difference in whether you end up facing charges or not.

Bottom line, a criminal defense attorney cannot guarantee the outcome of any criminal case. However, we’re dedicated to defending your rights. We do this by listening to you, talking to witnesses, police officers, prosecutors, as well as filing and arguing motions, and conducting investigations and research. Our goal is to reduce or dismiss your charges. I have successfully fought and won trials on cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Talk to an attorney! You want to know what the law is and what your consequences will be so you can make an informed decision. Is the plea offer good enough to minimize its impact on your life or will it be something that haunts you for the rest of your life? Will it stop you from future job opportunities or potentially expose you to prison time if you fail to meet your probation requirements? The State may try to scare you with pressure tactics, but with and experienced attorney by your side, you’ll know your options and make the best decision for your situation. Should you go to trial or consider a plea? Let’s discuss your options.

Even if you’re considering pleading guilty, having an attorney by your side can make a big difference. They can work to minimize the consequences of your conviction or negotiate to reduce the charges against you. Your attorney can also guide you on the best course of action, helping you avoid decisions you might regret later on.

Assistant public defenders are vital to the criminal justice system, but they often have a heavy caseload which can limit the time and attention they can give to your case. A private attorney can dedicate more time and attention to your specific situation, giving thorough care and attention to detail. This personalized approach can make a big difference, particularly in complex cases.

This is a critical point of your case. Once you have been placed under arrest, your Miranda Rights come into play, which may protect you, if you choose to use them. You have the right to remain silent! Typically, you should remain silent until you have spoken to an attorney who can advise and represent you. Be polite to the officers but insist that you want to speak with your attorney first. This ensures that you will not provide evidence against yourself. Often, the strongest evidence against individuals comes from statements made to officers without the presence of an attorney.  

Probable cause is the legal basis that police officers need before they can search you or your belongings. For example, if an officer sees or smells something, like marijuana, they have probable cause to search you. But if officers search or arrest you without a valid reason, any evidence they find can’t be used in court because it wasn’t obtained legally.

No, you don’t have to let them in unless they have a valid search warrant. Your home and property are protected by the Fourth Amendment, which safeguards against unlawful search and seizure. If a police officer enters your home without a warrant from a judge, any evidence they collect cannot be used in court.

Typically, when a person is no longer free to leave the presence of a police officer, they’re considered to be under arrest. Usually, a person will be restrained in some form; handcuffed, placed in a squad car or held physically. But it may be in other ways that you may not think of. Again, it is critical that they ask for an attorney and exercise their right to remain silent and not provide evidence against themselves.

You should strongly consider getting a criminal defense attorney to help you immediately. You are under no obligation to speak with investigators, regardless of what they might say. Exercise your right to remain silent. Your attorney can speak with the investigators on your behalf ensuring that you do not provide any evidence against yourself. Often, without knowing it, people accidentally say things that drag them into trouble or provide evidence for their own arrest.

Yes, the military reviews arrest records and booking logs. Typically, the military will let the civilian court handle the issue, however, the military may take its own form of disciplinary action against you. It is highly advisable that you retain an attorney as soon as you possible to guide you through any potential consequences.