Criminal Defense Law Firm in Long Beach Island

Being arrested for or charged with a crime can be frightening. Anything you say or do might have an effect on your case, so you should know your rights. 

  • You are not obligated to consent to a search of your body, your home, or your vehicle if asked. If police officer has a search warrant signed by a judge, or has another legal cause to conduct a search, he may do so without your consent. If you are asked, however, you may decline. 
  • A police officer may believe he has a legal right to conduct a search even if you disagree. Do not resist or argue The question of whether the search was lawful can be determined later in court. 
  • You are not obligated to give a statement and can decline to give a statement or answer questions without an attorney present. Consult a lawyer before talking to the police.  
  • The police are obligated to read you your rights if you are under arrest. If this is not done, make sure to let you attorney know. 
  • Avoid the urge to talk about your experience on social networks. Everything you post can be used in court. Even a seemingly innocuous post may come back to haunt you later. 
  • Do not wait to consult a lawyer 
  • Do not leave anything out when you talk to your lawyer. Your attorney requires as much information as possible to do his job. Anything you say will be kept private. 

 

Long Beach Island Criminal Lawyer

Much of a criminal defense attorney’s work is done before a case gets to trial. Sometimes, cases are dismissed well before trial due to unlawful searches, improper handling of evidence, or other technical issues. Pre-trial motions can lead to the reduction of a charge, or even complete dismissal of all charges.  

In many cases, criminal charges are frequently dismissed or reduced as part of a plea bargain. A plea bargain is an arrangement whereby the prosecution reduces the charges or proposes an agreed penalty when a defendant agrees to plead guilty. There can be many reasons to take a plea bargain, and it is up to each person and his lawyer to decide whether such a decision is appropriate. 

If you have been convicted of a crime and have completed all conditions of your sentence, including any jail time, probation, community service and/ or restitution, you may be qualified to apply for expungement. If you can get a criminal conviction expunged, it will be like it never existed. As with any criminal case, your chances of a favorable outcome will be better if you are represented by a lawyer. 

 

Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me

The most important decision you will make if you are charged with a crime is the selection of your lawyer. Experience counts, particularly when the stakes are high when your liberty and your future is on the line. Call the office of Pepe & Wintrode at (609) 294-8300 for a free consultation, and know that you are in good hands.