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.
Be proactive in protecting your legal rights. Speak to Criminal Defense Lawyer, Adam B. Reiss.
I was born in 1959 and graduated from Winter Park High School in 1977.
Education: I attended the Florida State University and graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor of arts major in English/minor in Spanish. Subsequent to my undergraduate degree, I obtained my Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
Member of: I was admitted to the Florida Bar in October of 1985 and have been admitted to the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida since 1986. Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Court October of 1992 and a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys as well as the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. I served as vice chair of Grievance Committee 9-D, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Orange County, Florida for the Florida Bar. On September 15, 2000, after an extensive and confidential peer review by members of the Florida Bar, I was awarded an AV rating in Martindale Hubbell. The AV rating identifies a lawyer with very high to pre-eminent legal ability the same is a reflection of expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence.
He has served as lead counsel in multiple serious felony charges as well as civil litigation/personal injury/medical malpractice and significant appellate experience.
ADAM B. REISS - BIOGRAPHY › › ›
I was born in 1959 and graduated from Winter Park High School in 1977.
Education: I attended the Florida State University and graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor of arts major in English/minor in Spanish. Subsequent to my undergraduate degree, I obtained my Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
Member of: I was admitted to the Florida Bar in October of 1985 and have been admitted to the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida since 1986. Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Court October of 1992 and a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys as well as the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. I served as vice chair of Grievance Committee 9-D, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Orange County, Florida for the Florida Bar. On September 15, 2000, after an extensive and confidential peer review by members of the Florida Bar, I was awarded an AV rating in Martindale Hubbell. The AV rating identifies a lawyer with very high to pre-eminent legal ability the same is a reflection of expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence.
He has served as lead counsel in multiple serious felony charges as well as civil litigation/personal injury/medical malpractice and significant appellate experience.
ADAM B. REISS - BIOGRAPHY › › ›
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