Criminal Law Firm in Vineland
A criminal charge can be confusing and frightening. Anything you say or do can have an impact on your case, so you need to know your rights.
- If a law enforcement officer asks for permission to search your body, your vehicle, or your residence, you are not required to consent. If a law enforcement officer has a search warrant signed by a judge, or has another legal cause to conduct a search, he may do so without your permission. If you are asked, though, you may refuse.
- A police officer may believe he has a legal right to conduct a search even though you disagree. Do not resist or argue with him. The question of whether the search was legitimate can be decided later in court.
- You are not obligated to give a statement and can refuse to give a statement or answer questions without a lawyer present. You should always ask for an attorney before talking to the authorities.
- The police are required to read you your rights if you are under arrest. If this is not done, make sure to let you attorney know.
- Do not post any statements on social media sites about the crime. Everything you post may be used against you. Even a seemingly harmless post may come back to haunt you later.
- The sooner you consult an attorney, the more options you will have.
- Make sure to tell your lawyer everything. Make sure your lawyer knows everything about your case. He can not adequately represent you if he is missing critical information. All conversations between an attorney and a client are protected and private.
Vineland Criminal Defense Lawyer
A good criminal defense attorney will be working for you long before your case goes to trial. Improper handling of evidence or other wrongdoing on the part of the police may result in a case being dismissed. Your lawyer may be able to get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed through the use of pre-trial motions, or through a plea bargain.
Criminal defense attorneys often work with prosecutors for a reduction in charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea, and such an arrangement may be appropriate in your case. Every case is different. Consulting with your lawyer, you can decide the optimal strategy for your particular circumstances.
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. Once a criminal conviction is expunged, it will not show up on a criminal background check. Look for an attorney that has specific expertise dealing with expungement requests.
Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Me
The most important decision you will make if you are charged with a crime is the selection of your lawyer. When you are facing criminal charges, you need an expert criminal defense attorney. Criminal defense attorney Tim Wintrode has represented hundreds of people facing criminal charges. Call today for a free consultation. (609) 294-8300.