Criminal Defense Law Firm in Galloway
A criminal charge can be confusing and frightening. Your actions after the fact might have an influence the final result of your case, so it is important to know what to do if you are arrested or accused of a crime.
- First, you need to know your rights. If a police officer requests permission to search your body, your vehicle, or your house, you are not required to consent. 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, but if not, and you are asked for permission, though, you may decline.
- If a police officer conducts a search without asking, or over your objection, do not argue or resist. Just make certain to tell your attorney about it afterwards.
- You are not required to give a statement and can refuse to give a statement or answer questions without having a lawyer present. Even if you feel you have nothing to hide, do not give a statement or talk to anyone without your attorney present.
- You should be advised of your rights if you are arrested or detained. Be sure to tell your attorney if this does not happen.
- Anything you post on social media could be accessed by the authorities or prosecuting lawyer, and may be used against you. Even a seemingly harmless post may reappear to haunt you later.
- Call an attorney right away. The sooner you retain a qualified attorney, the sooner he can get to work for you.
- Do not leave anything out when you speak to your attorney. See to it that your attorney knows everything about your case. He cannot properly represent you if he is missing critical information. All conversations between an attorney and a client are protected and confidential.
Galloway Criminal Lawyer
A good criminal defense lawyer will be working for you long before your case goes to trial. Criminal cases are often dismissed as a result of improper procedures on the part of law enforcement officers or incorrect handling of crucial evidence. Proper preparation before your case goes to trial can result in dismissal or reduction of the charges against you.
The majority of criminal cases do not go to trial. The 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 suggests an agreed penalty when a defendant agrees to plead guilty. There may be many reasons to take a plea bargain, and it is up to each individual and his attorney to determine whether such an action is appropriate.
Sometimes, criminal convictions can be expunged. Expungement means that the record of your conviction is wiped out, just as if it never occurred. 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
When you are facing criminal charges or desiring to get your criminal conviction erased, you need to pick your attorney carefully. When you are facing criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Lawyer Tim Wintrode has many years’ experience, both as a prosecutor and as a criminal defense lawyer. Call today for a free consultation – (609) 294-8300.