- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Juvenile defense
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Shoplifting
- Sex crimes
- Child abuse
- Internet crimes
- White collar crimes
- Fraud/embezzlement
- Administrative hearings before the DMV
- Driver license issues
- Record expungements/sealings
- Crimes of violence
- Child molestation
- Date rape
- Lewd acts
- Robbery
- Domestic violence
- Kidnapping
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Forfeiture cases
- Resisting arrest and all other violations of state and federal statutes
- Bond motions
Criminal Defense
What is Criminal Law?
Criminal law is the body of law that relates to so-called "public wrongs." Criminal law does not only concern itself with disputes between individuals, but also offenses against the public order. The federal government, along with cities and states, define and prosecute people who commit crimes that range from minor traffic violations to serious, violent offenses, like rape or murder. Individuals who are charged with a crime are called defendants, and they are represented by criminal defense attorneys. The governmental body that pursues the charges against the defendant is represented by a lawyer called a prosecutor. If you find yourself charged with a crime, you should contact a qualified and respected criminal defense attorney immediately. Protect your rights now and in the future.
The Process
Every lawyer involved in the criminal justice system must adhere to a complex set of rules of procedure to ensure a fair trial. The rules apply to both prosecutors and defense attorneys. This complicated procedure means that the criminal justice system is best dealt with by an experienced criminal defense attorney. A defense attorney should get involved in a case at the earliest stages, even before interrogation, if possible. The arresting officers have the obligation to inform the person in custody that he or she has the right to an attorney and the right to have an attorney appointed if he or she does not have the resources to pay for an attorney. Most of us are familiar with these warnings - called "Miranda" warnings.
Crimes committed by children are handled by a separate criminal justice system, known as the juvenile justice system. Juvenile courts typically have less formal procedures and a less formal manner of adjudicating cases. While many defense lawyers handle both juvenile and adult cases, some focus their practices on only one type of representation.
Negotiating a Plea Agreement
Some criminal charges are dropped after a defendant's defense attorney negotiates with the prosecutor. In some cases, the defendant pleads guilty or “no contest” to a less serious charge in exchange for the prosecutor's agreement to drop the more serious charges. The final decision on whether to accept a proposed plea agreement always rests with the client.
Depending upon the severity of the crime committed, a defendant who is found guilty may be sentenced to serve some period of probation, to pay a fine, perform community service, make restitution or pay for the monetary losses caused by the crime, or to serve some time in county jail or prison. In some states, the most severe crimes are punishable by death. A veteran criminal defense attorney will know how to work with a prosecutor to fashion a deal that provides for the least severe punishment possible. If no deal can be made, the attorney can mount an aggressive defense in court to convince the jury that the accused is innocent or that the prosecutor cannot prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the crime was committed.
