A criminal record can cause undue hardship for a person seeking certain employment of public benefits. Regardless of how many years have passed since a crime was committed, any criminal charge can cause problems later on in life.

In the state of Utah, a person can expunge the records of his or her arrest, investigation, detention and (if applicable) conviction for a crime. Expunging a person's record does not change his or her criminal history, but it does seal his or her record so that the public cannot view the criminal record.

Under Utah Code § 77-40-104, a person who was not convicted of the crime he or she was arrested for can petition for expungement if at least 30 days have passed since the arrest, there are no criminal cases pending, and one of the following occurred:

No charges were filed
The entire case was dismissed with prejudice
The person was acquitted at trial on all of the charges contained in the case
The statute of limitations has expired on all of the charges contained in the case

A person cannot petition for expungement if:

The conviction was a capital felony, first degree felony, violent felony, felony automobile homicide, felony driving under the influence (DUI), or a registerable sex offense
A criminal proceeding is pending against the person
The person intentionally or knowingly provides false or misleading information on the application for a certificate of eligibility
The person's criminal history, including previously expunged convictions, contains any of the following:
Two or more felony convictions
Any combination of three or more convictions (other than drug possession offenses) that includes two class A misdemeanor convictions
Any combination of four or more convictions (other than for drug possession offenses) that includes three class B misdemeanor convictions
Five or more convictions (other than for drug possession offenses), excluding infractions and traffic offenses

In order to obtain expungement, a person needs to have fully paid all fines and interest ordered by the court as well as all restitution ordered by the court or the Board of Pardons and Parole. The person seeking expungement will also have to wait until the following times have elapsed since his or her completion date, depending on the classification of the conviction:

10 years - Misdemeanor DUI conviction under Utah Code § 41-6a-501(2) or a felony controlled substance conviction under Utah Code § 58-37-8(2)(g)
Seven years - Felony
Five years - Any class A misdemeanor or a felony drug possession offense
Four years - Class B misdemeanor
Three years - Any other misdemeanor or infraction

A person can handle the steps to get his or record expunged without having legal representation, but it may be helpful to work with an attorney if a prosecutor or victim files an objection to the petition or the court schedules a hearing.

Darren Levitt is a Salt Lake City criminal defense trial attorney at Levitt Legal, PLLC. He helps clients expunge records throughout Salt Lake County, Box Elder County, Tooele County, Weber County, and surrounding communities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8790722

When people think of drug crimes prosecuted under state and federal laws, they typically assume these cases involve illegal drugs. However, doctor's offices or medical clinics that sell legal prescription drugs for non-medical purposes are referred to "pill mills" and can also be subject to prosecution.

Article 178 of New York Penal Law contains multiple statutes relating to the criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions. A criminal diversion act is defined as an act or acts in which a person knowingly does any of the following:

transfers or delivers, in exchange for anything of pecuniary value, a prescription medication or device with knowledge or reasonable grounds to know that the recipient has no medical need for it

receives, in exchange for anything of pecuniary value, a prescription medication or device with knowledge or reasonable grounds to know that the seller or transferor is not authorized by law to sell or transfer such prescription medication or device

transfers or delivers a prescription in exchange for anything of pecuniary value

receives a prescription in exchange for anything of pecuniary value

This offense has four different classifications:

Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the fourth degree, New York Penal Law § 178.10 - Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail

Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the third degree, New York Penal Law § 178.15 - Class E felony if value of the benefit exchanged is in excess of $1,000 or alleged offender has been previously convicted of criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the fourth degree, punishable by up to four years in prison

Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the second degree, New York Penal Law § 178.20 - Class D felony if value of the benefit exchanged is in excess of $3,000, punishable by up to seven years in prison

Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the first degree, New York Penal Law § 178.25 - Class C felony if value of the benefit exchanged is in excess of $50,000, punishable by up to 15 years in prison

Additionally, it is important to understand that people accused of operating so-called "pill mills" can also be subject to federal charges that may include allegations such as federal drug conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering, or health care fraud. A conviction on federal charges can result in an even lengthier prison sentence as well as substantial fines, loss of medical licensing, and possible asset forfeiture.

Innocent doctors or pharmacists can sometimes find themselves accused of these types of crimes as part of a much wider fraud investigation. It is important to determine the strength of the evidence against alleged offenders, as there may be issues with the credibility of certain witnesses or other mitigating factors that can result in charges being reduced or dismisses.

Rochelle S. Berliner is the founder of the Law Office of Rochelle S. Berliner in Queens, New York. Her experience includes a dozen years in the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the New York County District Attorney's Office, and she now defends clients against all types of drug crimes in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, all five boroughs of New York, and Federal Court in the Eastern and Southern Districts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8794040

There is no argument over the fact that facing criminal charges may end up in consequences which happen to be life changing for a number of people. Unless you have not hired a crime defense lawyer, the justice system leaves you completely on your own and you have to find your own way through the complex process which may include a huge amount of paper work, court trials as well as pleadings. But that is not all that such a professional has to offer. Let's take a closer look at some of the prominent benefits, which can be availed by hiring such an expert.

Care:

It should go without saying that the only job that is expected to be performed by such professionals is to make sure that no one ends up robbing you off your rights in a court trial, that your interest is not condoned, and that you are being advocated in the finest possible fashion. A specifically skilled individual is capable of understanding your criminal case, analyze the situation thoroughly, form a plan after taking a good look at the possible options, something that facilitates you the most.

Experience:

It is a good option to hire a crime defense lawyer since the experience that such professionals hold end up being largely in your favor. You could try to go through the proceedings all by yourself, you may as well end up succeeding, however, the chances are greatly enhances once you hire an expert. They know what they are doing and are pretty good at it too. Therefore, they will devote their experience, their time, their energy, and their knowledge in your favor in order to build a strongest possible case for you.

Penalties:

It is to be kept in mind that since you are aware of the fact that the criminal charges brought against you don't have any merits, therefore, you won't be charged with heavy penalties is a thought that is immediately shunned by the prosecutors who are rather brutal against the alleged criminals. Therefore, in order to make sure that you won't have to suffer more than you deserve to, it is important to have an identical expert in your favor who can avoid heavy penalties for you.

Strength:

It should go without saying that the longer you are going to wait in order to hire a professional lawyer, the better are the chances for the prosecutor to build a strong case against you. Therefore, it is a commendable idea to make sure that you hire a crime defense lawyer as soon as you get into a criminal case so that the likelihood of you winning the case is huge.

Financial Benefits:

As mentioned earlier, not hiring a professional to help you out with the court proceedings will reduce the financial benefits that you could have availed greatly. Since you may end up being subjected to heavy fines or penalties because you could not defend yourself in an appropriate fashion against a prosecutor, hiring a professional ends up being in your favor financially if you take a closer look at the long term perspective.

In the light of the above-mentioned information, it can almost be taken for granted that hiring a criminal defense lawyer does have a number of different benefits to offer. Taking a look at such associated benefits ensures that the investment you are going to have to make in hiring a professional does turn out to be a rewarding one and that you won't have to regret your decision ever.

John Grasso is an attorney who is able to practice law in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and also the Federal District Courts. He has represented criminal clients who have been charged with felony crimes and misdemeanors and he is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. No matter what the case is, he is determined to get his clients the outcome that is best for them. He is a former police officer so he understands the law and knows the laws that could be exploited by officers, particularly with property searches. He is completely committed to the client and has the best intentions when it comes to their interests. You can visit his website at http://www.johngrassolaw.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8802848

If you are ever stuck with a criminal problem, you will need a very good legal representative to bail you out of your problem. This is not the time to make compromises. You need the best of the criminal lawyers to represent you. So, how do you go about finding them? Here's a bunch of things you need to consider.

The Qualification of the Lawyer

The qualification is important for two reasons-you need to ensure that the lawyer knows the law thoroughly well so that they can see how they can save you from the situation and you need to ensure that the lawyer is qualified to practice in the area where the proceedings are being conducted. At the very least, you have to see whether the criminal lawyer you are hiring has passed the bar examination.

The Expertise of the Lawyer

Criminal law is a very delicate area. Mere qualification is not enough. You have to see that the lawyer has the right kind of expertise. Check since how many years the lawyer has been practicing. Also, you need to check whether the lawyer has special expertise in the field you need your legal representation. A lawyer that has good experience in helping people out of drunk driving cases won't always be a good choice for representing someone accused of manslaughter, for instance. Hence, you need to see if the lawyer has worked in the specific area you require.

The Success Rate of the Lawyer

Make sure to check upon how successful the lawyer has been. It is necessary that they have successfully helped their previous clients. Now, the success rate won't be perfect in most cases, but it should at least be reassuring for you to hire this counsel.

Your Compatibility with Them

One more important point in hiring criminal lawyers is that you need to check whether you will be compatible with them. You have to like your lawyer. You have to find your lawyer trustworthy and reliable. This is because you are going to entrust them with some highly personal information and you need to feel comfortable about doing that. Most importantly, you have to see whether the lawyer stays attentive while you speak. Do they pay attention to details? These are things you need to look at.

The Lawyer's Plan of Action

Every lawyer has a different plan of action, also known as a strategy, in approaching cases. You could ask them during your initial meetings how they plan to approach your case. You must go ahead with them only when you are comfortable with the ways they are going to implement to save you from the clutches of the law.

The Costs of the Lawyer

Legal representation can be a very costly affair and definitely the costs are something that you should give serious consideration to. Lawyers might charge you by the hour, or by the minute when you speak with them over the phone or even a lump sum charge with other sundry expenses paid. You have to talk about their pricing right at the start, keeping no ambiguities whatsoever. You don't want their charges to snowball into such a high figure that it creates a further problem for you.

Kelly Hunter owns and operates [http://www.online-criminaljusticedegree.com] and also writes about Criminal Justice Degree Online [http://www.online-criminaljusticedegree.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3758639

Whether you have been booked for an offense or not, it is important to have some idea of the best criminal lawyer in your state. This will come handy when you are in a sticky situation where you need immediate legal counsel. If you employ a good criminal lawyer, you stand a good chance of getting the case dismissed, probation granted or jail time reduced. Sometimes, you may even avoid going to court. That is why it is important to choose wisely.

Here are some tips to help you select the best criminal lawyer in Maryland

The first thing is to search for a good criminal lawyer beforehand. This will fill you with confidence and stop you from going into the panic mode in case something goes wrong.

Choose a criminal lawyer who has a good understanding of the intricacies of the law in the state of Maryland. Without such a counsel, you could find yourself back in square one. A lawyer who does not know enough is as bad as no lawyer.

In case there is a particular crime you are charged with or you can potentially be charged with, choose a criminal lawyer from Maryland who has sufficient experience in that field. For instance, a DUI/DWI lawyer has special training in many of the procedures that are adopted at the time of making an arrest. Therefore, they are equipped to handle such cases and spot those points that work in the favor of the client. The success rates of such lawyers will naturally be higher than lawyers who specialize in other fields.

Before choosing a lawyer in Maryland, enquire into their qualifications. Make sure that they are affiliated with important bodies. For instance, an affiliation with the National College of DUI Defense is a major plus factor in case of DUI/DWI lawyers.

Shop around. There is no need to choose the first lawyer you meet. Just as in other services, you can get the best deal only if you compare and contrast expertise, experience and cost.

The fee you pay your lawyer is an important part of the agreement. Discuss the fee with your Maryland lawyer before you actually hire them. Ask about additional charges, if any.

When you hire a criminal lawyer from Maryland, have a written contract with the lawyer and make sure that you understand everything, in terms of services, time and fee payment.

Choosing the right criminal lawyer is a vital part of your defense strategy, if you want to absolve yourself and clear your name. If found guilty, you stand to lose a great deal - not just in terms of money. So, it is best to do everything you can to avoid such a situation.

Cochran, Cochran & Chhabra, LLC - Our criminal lawyer in Maryland diligently prepare for every case by thoroughly examining the facts of the case.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3547242

If you are accused of a crime, you will definitely want to consider hiring a good criminal lawyer. While you have the right to a public defender, and one will be appointed for you if you cannot afford to hire an outside attorney, a good criminal lawyer is the best way to ensure that you are well represented in court. Since your liberty is at stake, hiring a good criminal lawyer is not something to take lightly.

Create a Short List

Start the process of choosing a criminal lawyer by creating a short list of good potential candidates. You can use online searches or the phone book to find some options in your area. Visit the websites of the lawyers you are considering, and see if they have expertise in the particular area in which you are being prosecuted. You can often find this information in the lawyer's biographical profile on the website.

Once you have a name, search for that name online. Do not visit the lawyer or firm's website again, but see if there is any other information about the attorney. Perhaps he has written some articles or been mentioned by others online. This can either provide comfort to you that you have chosen a good attorney, or help you avoid someone that is less than professional.

You can also visit your local paper's website to search the paper's archives for the lawyer or firm's name. This will allow you to see if the lawyer has had any publicity, good or bad, for recent cases.

Finally, if you have any special needs, such as a limited English vocabulary, consider searching for a lawyer who can cater to these. You need to be able to communicate effectively with your lawyer throughout your case.

These tips will help you narrow down your list to two to four lawyers. Once you have done this, you are ready to contact the lawyers directly to choose the right one from your short list.

Make a Phone Call

Once you have your short list, make a phone call to try to set up an interview with the lawyer. This may not always be possible, because good criminal lawyers are very busy people and may not have the time for an interview with a prospective client. However, calling the firm will give you a chance to get a feel for the staff. Make sure they treat you with professionalism and common courtesy.

If you can get an interview with the lawyer, take it. Do not tell him too much about your case until you have agreed to work with him, but ask him how he has handled cases similar to yours.

As the lawyer for references, and call those references. This is time consuming, but getting first-hand knowledge about how the lawyer works with people who have been in your shoes is invaluable.

Find out how he is paid, as well. Lawyers usually will be paid by the hour or through an upfront fee, and these rates can vary significantly from firm to firm, so you will want to know ahead of time how much to expect to pay for services. Keep in mind, however, that the cheapest lawyer may not be the best one for your case. On the other hand, the most expensive one may not be best either. Consider the cost as part of the overall picture of the lawyer, and choose the one you are the most comfortable about working with on a daily basis.

Make Your Choice

Make sure that you feel confident that the criminal lawyer Fort Lauderdale you have chosen will handle your case well. Your instincts are invaluable in helping you choose a good criminal lawyer. So do your homework, count the cost, and then go with your gut and hire the lawyer you feel the most confident in at the end of the process.

Full service law firm specializes in white collar crime, sex crimes, domestic violence, drug related offenses and motor vehicle related crimes in Fort Lauderdale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1724492

As you begin to read through this informative article, give each point a chance to sink in before you move on to the next.

We've all seen them, the TV crime programs in which a shady is immovable and brought first to jail, and later to audition. She or he is interrogated by the region Attorney and then defy-interrogated by his or her own criminal lawyer. Yet is this all there is to being a criminal lawyer? If you're pastimes in the law, craving to go to law instruct, or purely command a criminal lawyer, this item may give you a few steps in the right course.

First of all, while lawyers of all types are vilified really -we've all heard and told lawyer jokes like "What do you call a hundred lawyers on the foot of the ocean?" (Answer: a good boon). However, most people don't complete that not only is the criminal lawyer's job a complex and important one, but these men and women that we'd like to see on the foot of the ocean' are very educated and well- competent professionals. In statement, every criminal lawyer -or solicitor in broad, is a physician; did you know that? All lawyers, to support such an ownership, support a PhD. In Jurisprudence.

After getting their spinster's extent, they go on to at slightest 6 more time of instructing that will prime them for the world of law. This includes culture free talking, the art of dialog, control and identification of sound judgment and judgmental fallacies, as well as the memoirs of the law and the many other aspects that go into suitable a barrister, as the British say.

We hope that you have gained a clear grasp of the subject matter presented in the first half of this article.

The tend of the common criminal lawyer, especially, must be acutely penetrating, able to observe not only the textual "clues" of television detective-fame The criminal lawyer must also have an understanding of principal psychology to get at the reality of a criminal's actions (especially if one goes to work for a quarter attorney's bureau), as well as eloquent how a think and jury think.

In addition to all of this stuff, the foot-line of such a lawyer is the ability to absorb and preserve a mass of statements. Hence, if law is your pastime, you must activate to "learn to learn." This is to say that you must have admirable concentration skills and be able to learn large totals of numbers and then operate it effectively in dispute, which is ultimately greatly of what invite is -however with a procedural attitude, of course.

If you are seeking a criminal lawyer, on the other hand, it is best to acquire one that has a great total of experience; as with something, the more experience, the better the odds of star. Many people may be able to give only the invite-appointed official representative. If at all promising, avert this selection and hire a secret solicitor. The statement is that invite-appointed lawyers are overworked, underpaid, grow apathetic over time, and really are seldom the best abundance. Typically they work for the invites for one of two reasons: to really help people, or because they couldn't get a job at a demure law definite. The first selection is singular to find and doesn't pledge competency; the next is ubiquitous, and not what you want if you plea to win your suit. However, the abundance is yours. Good godsend.

If you could take the main ideas from this article and put them into a list, you would a great overview of what we have learned.

Anne Douglas writes for [http://www.crimenlawyers.com] where you can find out more about Criminal Lawyers and other topics [http://www.crimenlawyers.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/792009

Criminal law is considered much more complex than any other law. Criminal law involves prosecution of a person for an act that is classified as a crime by the government. In a criminal case, the state initiates the case against the person concerned. Criminal laws include felonies and misdemeanors. A crime is any act in violation of a public law forbidding it. (A crime can also be an omission of an act when public law actually requires it.)

Felonies are punishable by a prison term of more than a year, while misdemeanors are punishable by a prison term of less than a year. Criminal laws differ from state to state.

Therefore, it is necessary to have an experienced and competent criminal lawyer on ones side. Good criminal lawyers can represent anyone committed with a crime and can negotiate to arrange for lesser sentencing or reduced charges.

A competent criminal lawyer formulates sentencing programs, which are most preferable for the client's specific needs. Defendants will be provided with a knowledgeable, unprejudiced and objective over view of their case. This overview plays an important role in the defendant's decision whether to go into a plea bargain.

Good criminal lawyers are well versed with the important legal rules and also familiar with the various court customs and procedures. The also have the skill to understand the 'hidden costs' in a plea bargain. They also garner some information from the prosecution witnesses.

Statutes regarding criminal behavior can be broken down into various elements. Generally, most crimes have two elements, the action and the mental state. Each and every element of the crime should be proved, before the prosecution can come to a proper decision.

Colorado Lawyers [http://www.WetPluto.com/Colorado-Criminal-Lawyers.html] provides detailed information on Colorado Lawyers, Colorado Accident Lawyers, Colorado Employment Lawyers, Colorado Divorce Lawyers and more. Colorado Lawyers is affiliated with Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyers [http://www.WetPluto.com/Arizona-Bankruptcy-Lawyer.html].

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The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, based in Tallahassee, regulates the functioning of criminal lawyers in Florida. Founded in 1988, it has nearly 1,500 members. Its mission statement, according to its official website http://www.facdl.org, lists five important objectives, of which two are of great importance to consumers. They are: "To improve the criminal justice system at the judicial, legislative and executive levels" and "To promote the protection of the rights of individuals." FACDL is the state organ of the National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers, whose Official website is http://www.nacdl.org.

Usually people imagine a criminal lawyer to be a professional involved in highly dramatic situations in courtrooms. However, this is only one aspect of their work. A criminal lawyer may spend one day with the client discussing the legal problem. He may spend another day in the study [library or a computer terminal] doing research on relevant points of law. He may spend yet another day in trial practice, actually pleading before the judge in court. Sometimes, he may also be visiting the scene of the crime.

Most criminal lawyers spend hours researching and developing legal reports and documents. Though the advantages of information and communication technology are immense, there is a downside too, particularly in relation to cyber and transnational crimes. This means that today's criminal lawyers need to be equipped with the latest methods to handle these issues. In the US, there have always been excellent facilities for continuing legal education programs. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers offers regular programs for its members.

http://www.facdl.org is an excellent resource to locate criminal lawyers in Florida.

Florida Lawyers [http://www.WetPluto.com/Florida-Bankruptcy-Lawyers.html] provides detailed information on Florida Bankruptcy Lawyers, Florida Business Lawyers, Florida Criminal Lawyers, Florida Family Lawyers and more. Florida Lawyers is affiliated with Florida Alcohol Treatment [http://www.e-floridaduiattorneys.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/206670

There are a number of reasons that someone may need the help of a criminal defense lawyer. A good one is not cheap, but a conviction on your record can cost you over and over for the rest of your life. First of all are the very real possibilities of large fines and time behind bars. However, even misdemeanor convictions can keep you from getting a good job. Although many potential employers will tell you that they will only check back through 7 years of your criminal history, that is largely a myth. When a criminal history report is generated your ENTIRE criminal history will be visible. Whether an employer admits it or not, your history will influence your chances of being hired no matter how far back the charges or convictions may have occurred. Many offenses will keep you from being able to rent an apartment or condominium.

Prior convictions will cause law enforcement to scrutinize you more closely if you are suspected of or charged with a crime in the future. It may influence sentencing in future cases and can wreak havoc in your life in many ways. These days, people even check criminal history reports before going on a date for the first time. In other words, if the need arises you need to defend yourself vigorously to achieve the best outcome possible and the best way to do that is to hire the best defense attorney you can find and can afford.

The most common areas where people may need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney are:

Domestic Violence- In some domestic violence cases, false accusations are made out of spite or to further the alleged victim's own agenda. In a divorce proceeding, for example, a mother may claim spousal abuse in order to harm her husband's credibility in a custody battle.

DUI and DWI Cases- When are stopped by a law enforcement official for suspicion of drunk driving, there are defined rules which must be followed prior to and during the stop. A violation of procedures may be a violation of your rights and might significantly weaken the prosecution's case against you. Look for a defense attorney who specializes in this area of criminal law. They will look for the following:
Was there probable cause to stop you
Was a breath test properly administered
Was the person administering the test qualified to do so
Was the test equipment accurate and functioning properly
Juvenile Crimes - In the case of juvenile charges, a criminal defense attorney is needed who knows how to work within the juvenile system. You need a good negotiator and someone who is skilled at getting the charges reduced or dropped.

Federal Charges - The time to hire a good attorney in federal cases is ideally while an investigation is under way prior to charges being filed. Federal charges are generally serious and carry stiff penalties. An attorney who is experienced with the federal criminal justice system and understands the investigative process and procedural steps is critical to initiate a good defense. Some of the most common legal problems associated with federal charges include:
Medicare and Medicaid fraud
Drug conspiracy
Mortgage Fraud
Money laundering
Tax fraud
RICO Act and Racketeering Crimes

When you are faced with criminal charges or under investigation, an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights. A criminal defense lawyer who understands the law, the process and has experience in the area of criminal law which applies to your situation can help you evaluate your options and make the right decisions.

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When facing the prospects of jail or prison, you should never be without an attorney. Never take anything for granted when you've been charged with a crime. When you are processed for a criminal offense, it appears that you are guilty. You may have been taken to jail, posted bond and now must follow the Government's system for dealing with criminally accused. Fortunately, you are not presumed guilty. In fact you are presumed innocent. A strong presumption that remains with you unless the government proves your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Don't move forward with a criminal defense until you are represented by a criminal defense attorney. An attorney will make sure that you receive the best treatment possible under the law and under the circumstances.

On occasion, a pre-trial disposition is the best outcome when charged with a crime. In many cases, the government's case is filled with holes and an attorney can argue on your behalf why the charges should be reduced or even dropped. Your criminal defense attorney is your best friend when charged with a crime. When facing the prospects of jail or prison, you should never stand by yourself.

A criminal defense lawyer can raise the Constitutional issues evident in your case and ultimately an attorney can make the Government prove you guilty at trial. A defense attorney can protect you from the power and force of the Government. Criminal attorneys have experts that they can call to help educate the prosecution and the jury. Pro se defendants don't have these types of resources. You need an experienced defense attorney who is well-versed with the Constitutional defenses as well as the factual defenses.

First, Second and Third Degree Assault
Battery
Possession/Distribution/Manufacture of Marijuana/Controlled Substance
Driving Under The Influence
Sex Assault
Sex Assault on a Child
Child Abuse
Menacing
Domestic Violence
Harassment
Indecent Exposure
Internet Crimes
Computer Crimes
False Information
Juvenile Cases
Exploitation of Minor
Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Theft
Forgery
Vehicular Assault
Vehicular Homicide
Kidnapping

Often times an officer will contact you before you are charged in hopes of coercing a confession. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. The police don't warn you of that right because they don't place you in custody prior to the discussion. The police use these strategies in hopes of making their case easier to prove. Don't forget that you always have a right to be represented by an attorney if the police chose to question you.

That is the time to select a local, affordable and experienced criminal defense lawyer from http://www.affordcriminaldefense.com. You'll be glad you did!

Paul S. Taub, Esq. is a practicing attorney and published author.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7815484

Human legal systems all over the world are virtually affecting all aspects of their daily lives. Some of us might not realize it. Simple things like smoking a cigarette to big things like business transactions are being ruled by the law. Our world is not as simple as it was before; there are emerging technologies, bad relationships, and financial loss. This can make decent people do some mistakes and eventually need the help from criminal defense lawyers. However, an attorney cannot make it alone; she or he will require a good cooperation from the client in order to make the best possible defense for the trial.

Quality time: A simple yet important way to cooperate with your defense lawyer is by making an appointment and talk about all aspects of your case. There are many situations in America that the clients did not spare their time to meet and have discussions with their lawyer, especially in the cases of juvenile and circuit. If your lawyer wants to have a meeting with you, make sure that you would be there and be ready to talk with him or her about the details, witnesses, or even documents that you might be aware of. All lawyers are busy people. If you cannot meet them in a certain planned meeting, call them and ask for reschedule. The last-minute before the trial or hearing is not a good time to discuss your case with your defense attorney.

Be honest: Every time you are talking with your lawyer, keep in mind that he or she is not your friend, your parent, or even your priest. Do not exaggerate, change, or justify any fact. Tell honestly about the things that you can remember. Your lawyer or attorney is there to help you by giving the legal advices about your case, any defense available, and possible outcomes.

If you give your legal counsel honest information, he or she will be able to make a better defense. On the contrary, if you lie to your attorney, there is a high chance of you getting an unfavorable outcome because there is no trust between the attorney and the client.

The proof can be found anywhere: In the court, there is actually no right or wrong. The only things that matter there are constitutional questions, best evidence, and witness credibility. When a certain trial only has two witnesses from the defendant and the victim, the winner is usually determined by whose witness is telling the best story or explains all facts consistently.

Thus, to make a defense, a lawyer will require the client to provide him or her with the details along with the possible witnesses, alibis, and supporting information. If you were outside the city when the crime happened, give proof. Evidences like restaurant receipts, toll slips, contracts, property titles, or statements from an associate might help you.

If you are accused of destroying someone else's property and you have physical limitations, do not be so proud of giving this information to your attorney. You are not living in the episodes of Law and Order, it is real life.

Listen to your lawyer: Lawyers are professional who have taken related education, probably also have a lot of experience. So if your lawyer is trying to explain anything to you, listen closely!

Raniel Quisenberry maintains a website that makes it easy to find criminal defense lawyers near your area. Remember, some cases move very quickly and there are critical deadlines to meet. Get a FREE case evaluation today and find out how criminal defense lawyers can help if you're falsely accused of a crime.

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You have been charged with a crime and need a lawyer, now what? You know that just like other professionals, there are good and bad lawyers and you want to avoid the bad ones!

If money is not an issue, the answer is easy. Go to the largest law firm in your area and hire them. It is in their best interest to achieve great outcomes because of their reputation. There are no guarantees but at least you will get profession representation. The problem most of us face is we don't have that kind of money, so here is what to do.

There are certain qualities that distinguish good lawyers from the bad ones. Watch out for these qualities when you hire a criminal lawyer.

Lack of Experience

Experience is the first thing you should take into account when hiring criminal lawyers. A lawyer that has been practicing for years is certainly bound to be better than someone fresh out of law school, at least in the world of criminal law.

Area of Expertise

Would you let your family doctor operate on your heart? Probably not, you would want a heart specialist for that. So it follows that you don't want a lawyer with a general practice that "does it all". You want someone who only does criminal defense work full time. You need a criminal lawyer not the guy whose practice is wills, divorces and everything else under the sun.

Google Them

Get online and see what you can find out. Check out any reviews that may be available. Check out their profile in their bar association website, LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media sites. You will be surprised at what kind of things you can learn about a person.

About Referrals

It's always wise to ask for referrals. The obviously thing about referrals is he/she is only going to give you people who are happy with them. That's fine but a recent track record would be better. Ask them the outcomes of their last 5 cases. You don't need names and address just how it turned out for the client.

Empty Promises!

Beware of lawyers who promise to "get you off". It's only natural that you would want to believe this assurance but no one can guarantee anything. They're lying.

Exorbitant Charges

Many criminal lawyers take advantage of the fact, that in most cases, looking to hire them are scared and anxious and they take advantage of this by charging exorbitant fees. It is okay to pay a lawyer for the expertise and reputation he has but look out for the greedy ones. You need to shop around to become aware of current fee rates.

Can I Trust You?

It all comes done to trust. When you are interviewing a prospective lawyer you need to ask yourself "can I trust this person" and if the answer isn't a resounding "yes" then look somewhere else.

Your lawyer is your confidante and you should make sure that you can trust him completely. Choose a person who is sincere, straightforward and knowledgeable and is known to follow strict professional ethics.

Who's working?

Dedication is as important as trust when you hire a criminal lawyer. You shouldn't hire a lawyer who cannot dedicate his time to your case. Besides, it is very important that the lawyer you are hiring handles the case himself. Don't hire someone who will pass it on to a subordinate or a law clerk as this shows his lack of dedication towards your case.

Well I hope this has been helpful. This information may not find you the best lawyer but my hope is you will be able to avoid the bad ones.

To find a great criminal lawyer in Brockville visit us at http://www.castletrudel.com/ottawa-criminal-lawyer/

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An individual or business entity charged with any kind of criminal activity requires professional guidance from a professional criminal lawyer. Below are some pointers on how to find adequate legal representation.

Research

It is very important to find a defense lawyer who is experienced in criminal law. Similar to doctors, attorneys specialize in their services. The criminal legal process is a highly complex field. Therefore, only an expert criminal attorney should be engaged to represent you regardless of what type of case it is.

It is also best to engage a lawyer with specific experience pertaining to your kind of case. For example, if you are charged with a driving offense, ensure that he or she has many years of experience handling similar matters.

There are many ways to find suitable legal representation. The local bar association offers referrals and people you know also could be good resources. There are many legal forums online where you can inquire about legal representation and search in databases for criminal lawyers in your area. Be prepared to speak with several attorneys before making a decision on who will represent you and handle your case.

Investigate

Before choosing a few lawyers to speak with, check on his or her background online through a search engine. While this will not provide all of the information you need it could provide helpful information. Perhaps certain criminal lawyers are associated with similar matters to your own.

Check with the local bar association to ensure that he or she has not been disciplined and to ensure that all licenses are valid.

If you know someone who works in the legal profession or system check to see if they are familiar with the criminal attorneys you are considering.

Prepare

Prior to speaking with any legal professional gather all of your facts about the situation such as time, place, form and event. Every detail could be critical so ensure that you have all of the pertinent information prior to speaking with a criminal lawyer. Any attorney you speak with will need all of the facts about your case in order to assist you.

Questions to Ask

After you have decided on a few lawyers to speak with, find out:

1. The extent of their experience handling your type of case.

2. What the fee structure will be and exactly what is included. Often, a criminal lawyer will offer a free consultation. However, once engaged, there is either a flat or hourly fee. When charging hourly, lawyers charge for every phone call and interaction with you or on your behalf.

3. Who will be handling your matter. Some lawyers have a staff of attorneys who might be handling your case, while the lawyer you are speaking with will supervise. Make sure you are comfortable with that situation prior to engaging his or her services.

Finally, ensure that the criminal lawyer carries malpractice insurance. The ultimate goal is to find an experienced, credible criminal lawyer to represent you and handle your case in the most effective and expedient way possible.

Frank Hardesty is a criminal lawyer serving Toronto, and the greater surrounding areas. If you have been charged with a criminal offense don't take a gamble on your freedom click here and get your best defense.

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Being charged in court with a criminal offense can indeed be a scary experience. The court proceeding can be too stressful and emotionally laden, aside from the fact that it would take too much of your precious time, effort, and money. Fortunately, the legal system recognizes the principle that any person accused of a crime is not guilty unless otherwise proven beyond reasonable doubt. So whether you are accused of kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, money laundering, serious fraud and assaults, murder (manslaughter), organized crime, corruption, blackmail, or bribery; it simply is no reason to lose hope. In any legal system, the accused is given the opportunity to defend himself and prove his innocence. So the best step to get yourself out of trouble with the law is to make use of the law's legal provision for your defense. And the best way to do this is by hiring a criminal lawyer.

Now, how can a criminal lawyer help you in resolving your case at hand? Criminal lawyers have the knowledge and necessary training in court proceedings regarding criminal cases and are therefore in the best position to handle your case. They know what to expect while representing you in court and, in accordance with that knowledge, can formulate a strategic method for your defense. Apart from being knowledgeable about court proceedings, they also have an extensive knowledge of the laws that applies to any particular criminal case and will take advantage of that knowledge to argue your case. They have the capacity to exhaust all available legal remedies for your benefit.

You should put in mind, however, that your defense in any criminal case proceeding is not the work of your lawyer alone. He will need your cooperation, too, in order to formulate a good strategy and argument in winning the legal battle for you. So how can you possibly help your lawyer do just that? The best way to do this is to let your criminal defense lawyer know all the facts of your case at hand. Tell him everything you know about the case that is being charged against you in court. All circumstances attendant to the case is a matter of vital importance. It would be futile for you to let your lawyer know only the things or circumstance that you want him to know while keeping from him some information for one reason or another. As it is, your lawyer can only formulate a sound strategy for your defense or proceed to avail of the best legal remedy on your behalf if you have let him have complete knowledge of all the circumstances that led to the charge against you. So, it is very important for you to trust your lawyer with all the information that he needs, after all, he has the necessary expertise regarding the law that applies to your case and how that law can be used for your best benefit.

For anyone who needs legal representation for a criminal case in Toronto, the services of Toronto criminal lawyers, a group of the best criminal lawyers in Toronto.

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Criminal law is a set of laws that deal with all aspects of crime. These include crimes such as murder, assault, arson, manslaughter and many other crimes that are considered as harmful to the welfare of the public. Criminal lawyers are the people you normally run to when you are faced with such charges. You can use them to represent you in a court of law.

That is why you need to be completely well informed in order to engage the best lawyer hence positive results. Many people have found themselves in a situation where they lose their case even when all the evidence is in their favour. This mostly happens when you engage an incompetent lawyer. To avoid such a scenario, you need to learn several things about criminal lawyers in general and the one you plan to hire in particular. Look for an attorney as soon as you have been charged. This will give you time to get a good one and to prepare well for your case. The earlier you do that, the more your attorney will be able to help you. Your chances of winning will increase if you choose someone who is well known and has been in the profession for long time.

Do not forget to confirm the certification of your lawyer. This is important, as it will give you an opportunity to choose the services of an expert. You can get all the information you need on the internet, by going to his workplace or even his law school. Once you identify who to work with, find out if he is familiar with cases like yours. If so, find out how many of those cases he has won and how many he has lost. Give him the job if he has a history of winning but if not, chances are that he will lose your case as well so find another one.

Criminal law solicitors ought to be knowledgeable in a wide variety of fields in criminal defense. Choose such a lawyer and ensure he has particular knowledge in your case. Your case will be built from various perspectives and you will be able to capture the attention of the jury Avoid hiring a specialist. This is because all your arguments in court will be based on just one point of view. You may end up losing your case.

Choose someone with whom you can connect freely. This should be someone who has a high regard for you and will respect your views. Arrogant lawyers will not waste their time gathering evidence for your case. Avoid them at all costs. You can call a solicitor soon after committing a crime without necessarily waiting for the authorities to be involved. This will help preserve evidence that could be useful to your case. A competent criminal lawyer will ease your way throughout the court proceedings and the case will be over before you know it. The best part is that victory will be all yours.

If you need to get a criminal criminal defense lawyer [http://www.criminallawyertorontobest.com/criminal-defense-lawyer-toronto/] the best choose is Criminal Lawyer Toronto. We defend every client zealously, putting to use all of our experienced. Criminal Lawyer in Toronto [http://www.criminallawyertorontobest.com/] has gained the reputation by getting results and giving his clients the attention that the all deserve.

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Criminal law defines actions which are prohibited by the government because these actions threaten the physical and emotional welfare of the general public. Penalties for committing a criminal offense range from imprisonment to death. When an individual is accused of committing a crime, a criminal lawyer will be hired by both the accused (the defense) and the accuser (the prosecutor) in order to obtain a punishment that fits the crime.

A Criminal Lawyer's Tasks

During the initial investigation, the lawyer works with the police to examine evidence found at the crime scene and collaborate witnesses testimonies of what they saw happen. He'll also investigate the motives behind both the accused and the accuser's actions.

Based on the collection of evidence the lawyer determines whether to pursue the criminal case. If more evidence is needed, the investigation will continue. But if sufficient evidence is available, a court date will be set.

During the trial, the criminal lawyer will strive to prove the defendant guilt or innocence through presenting the evidence found at the crime scene and by questioning individuals who were witnesses of the crime. He should try and obtain the most beneficial punishment for the accused. Even if the evidence unequivocally points toward a guilty verdict, a sentence in prison may not be the best option. Depending on the crime, there are many rehabilitation options that ought to be considered if the accused will not be a danger to society.

The Criminal Defense Lawyer

The criminal lawyer representing the defendant is the criminal defense lawyer. He represents the defendant during the trial, working toward either a "not guilty" verdict, or a lenient sentence.

It's important to understand that the role of a defense attorney is not to simply push a "not guilty" verdict to the jury. If the accused is guilty or will most likely be found guilty, the defense lawyer will work to get the most lenient and beneficial resolution possible.

A criminal defense lawyer has a couple options to ensure a minimized sentence for his client before the trial even begins.

The first is a plea bargain. Depending on the severity of his client's crime, the likelihood of a guilty verdict from the jury, the available evidence, and the penalty's severity, a lawyer may be able to resolve the situation without going to court. The defendant would have to be willing to plead guilty and then his lawyer would work with the prosecutor to enforce a fee, reduced prison sentence or community service requirements.

Pre-trial motions allow the defense lawyer to try and get certain evidence discounted before and during the trial. His ultimate goal is to completely dismiss the case.

Once the jury convicts the defendant, his criminal lawyer can evaluate the possible success of an appeal, especially if new evidence has surfaced or a new witness is found. Sometimes evidence used during the trial can be proved false or the sentence may prove to be too strict.

The Prosecution's Lawyer

The prosecutor is the one bringing the accusation against the defendant. Whether it's another individual or the government, the prosecution's lawyer will represent the accuser, working toward a "guilty" verdict and maximum punishment for the defendant.

Hiring a Sacramento criminal lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, whether you're guilty or innocent of your charges. Get the backup you need with Summit Defense Attorneys. Visit http://www.sacramentodefense.com.

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Hiring a criminal defence lawyer becomes very important if you are charged of any kind of criminal offence. There are many criminal lawyers that have been representing the accused in the court of law by providing them with a legalized representation in the court of law. In other words, such an attorney protects the right of citizens and ensures that people charged with different types of crimes are treated moderately.

There are many criminal offences for which you require support of a lawyer. These include assault (domestic and spousal assault), fraud, theft, shoplifting charges, production of Marijuana and all drug charges, communicating for prostitution, etc. All these charges can badly affect your personal as well as professional life. That is why, getting in touch with an attorney at right time becomes increasingly important. An experienced attorney works in the direction to protect the legal rights of individuals who are not guilty and are caught under bad circumstances.

Let us throw light on the role of one such lawyer in defending the accused. It includes:

Deep investigation of the case

This is the first important step that a criminal lawyer follows. He hires investigators who investigate the case thoroughly and perform extensive research to find out the exact cause and reason of the crime. The investigators study the case deeply and explain its negative and positive aspects in front of the accused. In addition to investigators, criminal lawyers also hire some professional witnesses in order to support your case.

Expert consultation

Being charged of any kind of criminal offence can be very frustrating. Apart from badly affecting your personal life, it also restricts your future growth prospects. In this regard, an expert consultation is required. A criminal lawyer is of great help in this regard. The best part is, his or her initial consultation is offered completely free of cost.

Making court appearance for clients

Here comes the most important role of a lawyer. If you have hired a lawyer for yourself, you are not required to visit the court again and again. Your lawyer will make most of the court appearances for you.

Thus, it can be concluded that the support of a criminal defence lawyer is necessary if you are charged of any criminal offence. There are many lawyers that are serving the accused in this regard. You need to choose the one that is reliable and experienced in the type of case you are charged with.

Dimitri A. Kontou is a criminal defence lawyer based in the Vancouver region of British Columbia. He defends clients charged with different types of criminal offences throughout the British Columbia region.

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Criminal lawyers are special lawyers who can defend you or any organizations when they are charged with criminal offence. These lawyers employ themselves within various jurisdictions in criminal courts. If you or your organization is offended in a case then it is good to seek the help of a professional lawyer. It is difficult to represent yourself without knowing all the laws and rules clearly. It is always good to seek the help of a professional lawyer if you are taken in police custody or offended in any criminal case. He can appear in court and fight for justice and court will you free you easily.

There are few things you have to consider while you choose your criminal lawyer so that he can help you to the best.

Budget

It is essential to consider the amount a lawyer could demand. If you do not think of budget at the initial stage then could land up in problem at the end. If you are a millionaire or if you earn more, then you need not worry about the costs charged by a criminal lawyer. So when you visit a lawyer you can ask him for a quote, price ranges from lawyer to lawyer. It also depends upon the nature of case. So it is good to ask the criminal lawyer about the total expenditure for the case when you visit the lawyer.

Experience

Next important thing to consider is the experience of the lawyer. More the experience he can handle the case easily. Experience is more important, an inexperienced lawyer will not be familiar with the regular court procedures and the latest laws. It is obvious that an experienced lawyer can free you from police custody easily than an inexperienced barrister. In addition he will also prove your innocence in court and will demand for compensation for spoiling your reputation. You can also enquire someone who has previously dealt with the lawyer so that you can know more the criminal lawyer.

Flexibility of the lawyer

Criminal lawyer of your choice must be flexible in nature, most of the lawyers are always occupied but the lawyer you choose must be able to make time for you. It is essential to have a lawyer who can work for you beyond the office timings. A lawyer with flexible timings will be of great help to you and you can clear any doubts regarding your case at anytime. You need not take special leaves or permission in your office to meet the lawyer.

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Are you searching for a criminal lawyer that you can hire because you find yourself in trouble and have no clue about how to handle it on your own? Then you have to be aware of the factors that are imperative to consider before making your final decision about what lawyer you are going to hire for legal help.

These factors will allow you to feel confident that the best lawyer is being hired for you. The following are the factors that have to be considered.

1. Criminal case experience - When you are searching for a lawyer to hire, you have to ensure that they have criminal case experience. If they don't, then they will not be able to provide the best help for you.

Always ask about this if you can't find any information about it on their website or anywhere else. Don't make the mistake of hiring a lawyer with no experience because this will harm your chances for the best help possible. It is smart to find a lawyer that specialized in criminal law.

2. Type of criminal case - There are all types of criminal cases that happen every day. You have to find a lawyer that specializes in the type of criminal case you are up against.

For example, if murder is the charge, then don't make the mistake of hiring a lawyer that specilizes in DUI cases only. Be specific about the charges against you so you can determine if a particular lawyer will be your best help or not.

3. Be wary of promises - Some lawyers these days, though not many of them, will make promises for a particular outcome. That is impossible for any lawyer to predict.

Majority of the lawyers available will not make promises, but if you find one that does, then avoid them because they are trying to predict the impossible.

4. Which lawyer will be handling your case - When you want to hire a specific lawyer, you have to always ask if they will be handling your case, or if one of their associates will be. You don't want to get to court and not know who your lawyer will be.

5. Comfortable working with the lawyer - It is always smart to ensure that you find a lawyer that you are comfortable working with. If you are not comfortable working with them, then this can very easily work against you and will make going through your case much harder than it has to be.

Always make sure you are comfortable with them and if you are not, then find another lawyer.

These are the most vital factors that need to be considered before you choose a criminal lawyer to hire. Not considering these factors may lead to the wrong lawyer being hired and this will leave you wondering if you have hired the best legal help for you.

If you enjoyed this article by Jeff Schuman please visit our Miami criminal lawyer website today. Where you can locate a good Miami criminal defense attorney that may be the best for you. Plus, useful information that will help you feel confident in your decision.

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A Houston criminal lawyer can be found in a number of different ways. A criminal defense attorney may either represent an individual who has been charged with a crime, or someone who has been falsely accused. In a typical felony case, a defense attorney represents the defendant whilst an opposing attorney, known as a prosecutor, stands in for government entities.

The criminal lawyer performs many task for their clients. During the initial meeting, they will discuss their options regarding the case and the possible outcomes. The attorney will provide legal counsel on every aspect of the case. They will withhold their own personal judgment regarding their client. This must be the case irrespective of whether the specific legal professional in fact thinks your accused is guilty or not guilty.

One of many primary tasks of this type of lawyer is to help counsel their clients in a legal case. In order to properly do this, an attorney ought to put aside his or her individual opinion about a circumstance. For example, in order for a criminal attorney to successfully represent their client they must remain impartial. Defense attorneys can work on simple cases such as traffic court cases. They can also represent clients in major criminal cases.

A criminal defense attorney will frequently make appearances in the court. In addition to managing the case in the courtroom on behalf of their clients they also oversee the investigative portion of the case. They will also be present for any bail hearings as well as other motions. The individual's defense normally advises them on whether they should consent to the actual plea bargain. They will also discuss with their clients any prospective legal outcome.

Besides appearing in court, the criminal lawyer works a number of other responsibilities. For instance, he or she generally spends a good deal of time interviewing their clients ahead of hearings or trials. In case a prosecutor offers an offender a plea bargain, a defense lawyer is responsible for talking about the deal with the accused.

When charged with any criminal offense, one significant step a defendant will need to take is choosing the best defense lawyer. This decision might be critical to the ultimate outcome of a trial. Discovering the right criminal defense lawyer is usually a difficult process.

It's fairly common knowledge that lawyers could be expensive; depending on the specialization and the experience of the lawyer. They will charge a consultation fee to hear about the case and decide whether to take it to court. There are welfare organizations that help with free legal help. They can also provide help on obtaining a Public Defender.

It is now possible use the world wide web to find the ideal criminal defense lawyer. Several lawyers have websites together with information about their organization, education history, and test record. Lawyers often concentrate on a particular type of scenario or criminal area; finding the right Houston criminal lawyer might take some research to determine what number of similar cases a lawyer offers defended, and his or her get loss record.

Many people in Texas go to trial without a reputable Houston criminal lawyer [http://www.houston-criminaldefenseattorney.com] representing them. This is a grave mistake, as the prosecution will show very little leniency to a defendant who does not have the protection of legal representation.

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You have been arrested. You realize that your livelihood, your family, your freedom is on the line. You must get a criminal lawyer. But how do you know how to select a criminal lawyer? You need to ask the right questions. Below are the four critical things to know before selecting your criminal defense attorney.

1. Does the Criminal Lawyer you are interested in specialize in your specific criminal area.

It is good to have a well balanced attorney. But does your crime lawyer have the specific experience representing those accused of the particular crime you are accused of? For example, if you were arrested for DUI, it would be wise to secure a criminal lawyer with extensive experience representing those accused of DUI. In fact, don't be afraid to be even more specific. If you believe that your defense to your DUI was involuntary intoxication, for example, ask your criminal lawyer if he has any experience with that particular defense.

2. Determine What qualities in a criminal attorney are important to you.

Of course everyone wants the best deal they can possibly get. But there are equally important factors in a criminal lawyer. For example, are you the type of person that will need constant attention, and a little bit of "hand holding"? Don't be embarrassed! Look for the criminal lawyer that will devote sufficient energy to that phase of representation. Alternatively, will you be likely going to trial? Then look for an attorney who is litigious and ready to handle the courtroom.

3. Reviews & Ratings: Do Your Homework

The internet provides a wonderful mechanism to research your potential criminal defender. For example, yahoo, Google, and bing all have local places pages where you can research your attorney and see what others have said about him. Also, many criminal lawyers will put reviews up on their website.

Furthermore, you can go to sites like martindale hubbell and avvo.com and research your potential lawyer. These are wonderful sites to learn more about the person you will entrust your life with.

4. How much money are you willing to spend

Hiring a lawyer is much like everything else in life. You get what you pay for. Or more appropriately, the more money you spend, the more experience you are likely to get.

But please note: Just because you go with a less experienced attorney, may not be a bad thing. Sometimes, the younger attorneys are the "hungry" ones, that will go to bat and win for you. Again, you must do your homework to see if the criminal defense attorney you are investigating is the one for you.

Christian is a Tampa criminal lawyer Law, located in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. He is available to those who are in need of a tampa dui lawyer in the greater Tampa Bay area.

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It would be quite unfortunate if you were charged for a serious criminal case. The crime may have been committed knowingly or unknowingly. In such a situation, you need to appoint a lawyer at the earliest. Will County, Illinois is where several criminal cases are fought every year. If you are a resident of Will County and involved in a criminal lawsuit then hire a criminal lawyer Will County immediately.

Do not wait for the court to appoint a public defender or attorney for you, and hire a lawyer by yourself. While choosing a lawyer in Will County IL, you need to verify the lawyer's experience and educational background. Make sure that you hire a well-educated lawyer, as he/she will represent you in the court of law.

Each criminal case is different from others and this is why the lawyers have to do the research work properly before the case begins. People have misconceptions that criminal lawyers only represent and ask questions in the court but they do much more than this.

Role of a criminal lawyer in Will County IL

The criminal defense lawyers spend huge amount of time in gathering information from all the witnesses who were present when the criminal action was performed. In some cases, the lawyers also hire investigators to get information which helps in proving their clients guiltless. Once you have hired a lawyer in Will County IL then he/she will also try to discuss with the prosecutors to reduce the charges and punishments to some extent.

As the lawyers are familiar with all the court procedures and methods which are not written in any law book, they know what kinds of appeal and arguments will work. Prior to the case, these criminal defense lawyers analyze and understand all the hidden costs which are involved in the lawsuit. Even if their clients lose the case, the criminal lawyers in Will County IL help in altering the imprisonment period or compensation fees.

If you are searching for a criminal lawyer Joliet IL, my recommendations is that you visit http://www.lawmitchell.com

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Almost everyone needs the help of a criminal lawyer at some time or another. Whether for themselves, family, or friends, when the time comes its important to have the right man for the job. Below are five questions to ask your criminal lawyer to make sure he is the right attorney for you.

1. How Successful have you been handling cases like mine before?

Ever potential client should consider whether or not their Criminal Attorney has handled similar cases before. If the criminal attorney has never handled a DUI before, for example, he may not be aware of the important deadlines, relevant law, and important facts to consider when preparing your defense. Alternatively, an Attorney with substantial experience handling your type of case may be more appropriate to handle your pending matter.

2. What is this going to cost me?

You need to know the bottom cost in any big purchase. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is no different. You should want to know if hiring a lawyer is going to cost you 2K or 10K. Also, are you going to be able to afford your lawyer? If you are unable to pay your lawyer, he may withdraw from your case, and you will have to restart from ground zero. Nobody wants to do that when their life is on the line.

3. What are your credentials.

Most lawyers learn how to talk a big game. But do they have the training and experience to back it up? If you are in the market for a trial criminal attorney, you will likely want to know that your criminal lawyer has tried many cases before, went to a well known trial school, etc. Past performance is an indicator of future performance. Knowing your lawyers credentials will help you make an informed decision.

4. What are the maximum penalties I can get?

Different charges carry different penalties. For example, most people are surprised to find out that a DUI can get them a year in jail. Likewise, a third degree felony can get you 5 years in prison. Ask your Attorney what the possible consequences are so that you will be prepared to make an informed decision as to how to proceed with your case.

5. How many trials have you run?

You may not want your case to ever see the courtroom. You may rather want to work out the best disposition possible. However, you still want to have a trial lawyer preparing your case and negotiating on your behalf. That is because a State Attorney is more likely to workout a beneficial disposition with a trial lawyer whom he thinks might take the case to trial. If the State Attorney knows the criminal lawyer will not take it to trial, the criminal lawyer has no negotiating leverage on the State.

Christian D writes about a Criminal Attorney in Tampa, Florida. His Tampa criminal defense lawyer is available for free no obligation consultations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4451903

One would think that few people wake up every day, concerned about whether they will commit a crime, but the truth is that laws are broken all the time and most people don't give it a second thought. Unfortunately, punishment for committing a crime is never pleasant to deal with, and people sabotage their chances of exoneration, simply because they don't know their rights. If you've recently been accused of committing a crime in San Antonio, and are awaiting a court hearing, it's important that you know how to choose representation for your case.

The important thing to remember about selecting a criminal lawyer in San Antonio is that they must have time to give you their full attention and allocate time getting to know the ins and outs that led you to being part of a criminal investigation. If there is one person that you should be able to tell all the details of your story to without holding back, it should be your criminal lawyer.

Before you start your search, it's also important that you are aware of what sets a quality San Antonio criminal lawyer apart from any other lawyers that you might find on the internet. The coveted difference is that criminal lawyers spend most of their career in their state, giving them valuable experience with state and federal laws as they apply to criminal cases.

Those who are not from the state of Texas, but are facing charges in the San Antonio court system, you might be thinking that it would be smarter to hire a lawyer from your home town. However, if you're not originally from San Antonio, but have become mixed up with criminal activity there, it's essential that you seek a San Antonio criminal lawyer or local attorney from the city or surrounding areas because they will be much more familiar with the judge and prosecutors that will decide your case.

If you just want to get this whole mess over with, you might be tempted to just hire the first lawyer that offers you a reasonable rate, but remember that choosing a criminal lawyer is one bad decision you can't afford to make. It's likely that receiving these criminal charges opened your eyes to other bad decisions you've been making in your life, and the only way that you're going to get a second chance to realize your future is by hiring a criminal lawyer that is invested in getting you the justice you deserve.

When trying to select between criminal defense lawyers in the San Antonio area, it's important that you don't just assume that they are a good choice because they have a nice website or because they run TV commercials. Ask questions about whether or not they have experience with cases like yours, and what the outcome of those cases were. Make sure that there are no language barriers or case strategies discussed that you don't truly understand. You and your lawyer must be on the same page so that you can present a successful case.

If you are searching for a San Antonio criminal lawyer, My recommendations is giving Shawn Brown a call at 210-224-8200. He is the best I've seen and I mean in action live in a court room.

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Being charged with a crime should not be taken lightly. The commission of an offence is punishable with penalties that include fines and imprisonment. Criminal laws are complex and, if you are in Sydney, are best left to a criminal lawyer Sydney based, one who possesses the appropriate education and experience to defend you in court.

Defences in criminal law

Anyone charged with an offence is entitled to raise all possible legal defences he may have in his favour to avoid or reduce penalties. Your defence strategy includes hiring a criminal lawyer who has a good grasp of the rules of criminal procedure and the defences available under the criminal code.

Some of the defences against criminal responsibility include self defence, insanity and the exercise of a lawful authority or order. Your lawyer should be able to determine whether any of these defences exist in your favour, when to invoke them, and how to establish these defences in court.

Some principles of criminal law

While criminal laws in Australia are administered by individual jurisdictions across the country, the same basic principles apply regardless of where you have been charged. These principles include:

Presumption of Innocence

Anyone who is charged with the commission of an offence is considered innocent until the prosecution is able to prove that he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The slightest doubt that the accused has committed the offence charged will result in his acquittal or finding of "not guilty."

Moreover, it is the prosecution's duty to present enough evidence before the judge or jury to prove the guilt of the accused in what is known as the burden of proof.

In some cases, when the lawyer of the accused feels that the evidence presented by the prosecution is not strong enough to lead to a conviction, he may choose not to present any evidence on behalf of his client and let the judge or jury decide the case on the basis of the prosecution's lack of evidence. No two cases are exactly alike and your criminal lawyer should be able to devise a defence strategy after making a careful assessment of the facts of your case.

Double jeopardy

Every person who is charged with a crime has a right not to be prosecuted twice for the same act or offence. This is also known as the rule against double jeopardy. Double jeopardy exists when a person is charged again for an act or offence that he had already been acquitted or convicted of.

Most people are unaware of this basic principle so that a good criminal lawyer should not only be able to represent you in court but more importantly, he should be able to ensure that you are not being tried or are in danger of being punished twice for the same offence.

Your criminal case should not be left to chance as the incorrect strategy may lead to serious consequences. Avoid steep fines, jail time and a criminal record by getting the best criminal lawyer Sydney has.

Oliver Medway is a legal research with a particular interest in Australian criminal law. Discover why you need to engage a criminal law firm Sydney for the best defence possible at http://www.crimlaw.com.au

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The U.S. Bill of Rights guarantees you the right to an attorney in the event that you're accused of a crime. However, this doesn't mean that you can simply choose the first criminal attorney you come across and assume that you'll get equal treatment. Having the right attorney can affect not only the outcome of the case, but your experience during the criminal proceedings. In order to choose the best criminal lawyer, you'll need to carefully consider a few things.

Firstly you need to choose an attorney which has experience with cases which are similar to yours. If you are accused of armed robbery then you will want a different lawyer to if you were accused of battery. Some lawyers only specialize in divorce cases and these would not be able to help you with Criminal cases.

There are many lawyers who do have the educational background to handle your case type but there is a lot to say about education and real life learning experiences; education can only go so far but real life experiences gives you the knowledge for more alike situations down the road. Make sure that your criminal defense lawyer has dealt with similar cases like yours so they can use their education smarts and real life smarts in the courtroom to win your case. They'll understand how they should proceed and not proceed. They know what results you're going to want and the obstacles to avoid.

When you find an attorney who seems to have the background you're looking for, discuss with them the basics of your case. During this process, pay attention to two things. First, consider how comfortable you are with the attorney. Do they listen carefully to what you have to say, or cut you off as though they've heard it a hundred times before? Remember that part of the job of a criminal lawyer is handle your legal issues, and part of their job is to help you through the process. Choose a lawyer that you feel comfortable working with.

You also need to pay attention to the criminal defense plan. There are some lawyers out there who will take on every single case they possibly can which will mean they don't have enough time to devote to your case. Some lawyers might propose a plea bargain to reduce your plea down to a lower charge. This might be suitable in some cases however it's not suitable for every single case. Make sure that your criminal defense lawyer will actually take your case to trial if needed.

Whenever you are trying to find an attorney for your case, you need to know their success rate. While no lawyer has a perfect case record, you need to look for a positive/negative ratio. See what the attorney has learned from their previous cases and how they may use that knowledge and lessons to give you the best possible criminal defense.

The bottom line is that when it comes to hiring the best criminal lawyer, you want to choose an attorney with specific experience in the field, with whom you feel comfortable and who is willing to take your case to trial, if need be.

Colin Daives writes general information articles about criminal and DUI law. Each state has different laws and every case is unique. His articles are not meant to be legal advice. To learn more, contact a Denver criminal lawyer or for assistance with your case in the state of Colorado, contact a Denver criminal attorney today.

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A lawyer having studied and specialized in criminal law is known as a criminal law lawyer. Such a lawyer is qualified for defending someone who is alleged to have committed a crime, as also the government for prosecuting the alleged accused. A criminal case would generally involve a defense lawyer that defends the defendant, meaning the alleged criminal, and another lawyer that represents the government, known as a prosecutor. Defense lawyers practicing criminal law are capable of defending their client against a variety of cases, varying from a ticket-less travel to an allegation of crime like murder, whereas prosecutors work for the government for getting the alleged criminal prosecuted.

A lawyer specializing in criminal law may be employed by the government or by a law firm, as well as practice independently. At times, the government hires such attorneys for representing the defendants. These are known as public defenders. In certain countries, the government provides the services of a public defender for alleged criminals who are unable to hire a defendant on their own.

The main task of lawyers in such cases it to provide legal support to their clients. For carrying their job effectively, it is imperative for the lawyers to overlook their personal view about the case they are defending. For instance, a defense lawyer needs to defend his client of the charges framed, irrespective of his personal belief if the client is innocent or guilty.

Lawyers practicing criminal law are required to appear in court quite often. Apart from the time they need to spend during the trial, they also appear in court to represent their client on different occasions, like bail hearings.

Before appearing in court, a criminal lawyer has to perform quite a few jobs. They need to spend a considerable amount of time in gathering all the relevant information from their clients before the court proceedings are started. When the prosecutors give a plea bargain to the defendant, it is the responsibility of the defense lawyer to discus the subject with the defendants. The defense lawyer would educate the defendant on the legal implications or consequences of accepting a plea bargain.

A lawyer practicing the criminal law is often required to carry legal research to find out case laws or legal interpretation which could strengthen the case of the client he is defending. Another significant job of such a lawyer is to record the statements of various witnesses associated with the case. Moreover, at times, they may hire the services of professional investigators to investigate certain parts of the case, and present the results of such investigations to the court for the benefit of their clients. They could also hire proficient witnesses to help the case of the defendants.

With so many criminal defense attorneys available, it's sometimes difficult to choose one. But if you need a reputed and experienced criminal lawyer Jacksonville, come visit our website and learn more about us!

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Nobody wants to be in a position where you would need to get a criminal lawyer to defend you or a loved one in court, but what do you do in case it happens? Do you just go for the first lawyer that you come across? That is not likely to be a wise move on your part.

Lawyers are just like doctors. They also have their own fields of specialization. That's the part of law that they have focused and spent much of their time on.

What you need to find are lawyers who have focused on criminal law more than anything else. So how do you go about finding the right one? Here are some ideas:

1. Specialization is the name of the game. It means that for criminal lawyers, there are also some specializations within them that lawyers can delve into. What you need therefore is to find someone who has considerable experience and knowledge in the particular field of criminal law that you are concerned.

2. You should think twice before settling for a public defender, because on the average they have more cases than what is recommended by law experts as advisable to be handled. If you have the money to spend you should try to get your own lawyer. It could be your freedom that would be at stake.

3. Decide on the kind of qualities that you would like to find in your lawyer. Do you want someone with an extensive experience, but is quite too busy to become too involved in your case? Would you rather prefer someone who is less experienced, but is very hardworking?

4. Go for personal referrals from people that you know. They might know of a good criminal lawyer who can help you out. Personal referrals are still the best way to go in finding some service that you need.

5. Find out if they belong to any group of criminal lawyers. Affiliation to regional and national groups of criminal lawyers is a good indication that someone is really into criminal law.

6. If you want to determine how a lawyer stands in the estimation of his colleagues, then you should try to find out if they have ever held any office in any of the lawyer groups to which they belong. Holding an office is a good indication that they are competent in their field.

7. Don't fall for ads and the claims that they have there. They would put anything there to get you in. The best thing is for you to meet or talk with a lawyer personally so you can decide if he really has what it takes.

8. Find out if the lawyer has taught at a reputable law school. Teaching law is one of the marks that a lawyer is really something.

9. Find out about their rates. A lawyer might be good and all, but you might not be able to afford them.

These are just some of the more important things that you need to look for in a criminal lawyer.

Have you or a loved one been charged with a crime in Boulder, Colorado or surrounding areas? J. Scott McComas, P.C. is a criminal defense attorney in Boulder, Co that has extensive trial experience. He knows the 'ins' and 'outs' of the legal system, having been a former municipal prosecutor. Call today for a free consultation.

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When referring to criminal law, reference would need to be made to the various aspects which make up such a vast legal area. Consequently, a criminal lawyer refers to an attorney whose studies concentrated on criminal law and its several branches. Defense attorneys are the professionals required for anyone seeking to be well-defended against any criminal accusations.

Crimes are obviously serious violations of the law, which damage an individual either physically or morally. The sort of crimes which are commonly prosecuted are generally homicide, drug trafficking, theft and sexual offenses. However, criminal law is certainly not limited to these alone, and that is why there are several criminal lawyers that specialize in particular areas.

As can be imagined, hiring a lawyer who has sufficient experience in the particular area under which your case falls is crucial. Choosing the right lawyer to represent you will have a determinate effect on the outcome of your case. For this reason you obviously should do a little research on who would be the best attorney for you.

There are few experiences as traumatic as being accused of a crime. This is true both for the accused as well as for their loved ones. Preparing a solid defense requires time, effort, energy and financial means. Trusting your case in the hands of a reliable lawyer will relieve you of much anxiety, since you would know that an experienced professional would be in charge of your defense.

The benefit of having a good defense attorney on your side is that they will be professionally and objectively involved, with no emotional shackles to cloud their determination. Seasoned lawyers would have dealt with several similar cases in their past, so they would know what best to do.

Apart from the emotionally demanding time, facing a criminal charge would mean that your reputation is at risk. This is obviously a very serious aspect, especially as it regards your future professional endeavors. A criminal defense lawyer will know what to do to safeguard your personal record from harmful conviction records. Having a conviction on your record will influence where you can get a job and where you can live considerably.

While having charges dropped is a rare event, a criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate an equitable plea deal in which the charges would be reduced. This is naturally very much dependent on the facts of the case, but in general defense lawyers will manage to secure a much better outcome than what you would have initially imagined. The fear of facing time in jail is predominant amongst accused persons, but it is generally disposed of altogether by an able lawyer.

A very useful tool which anyone looking for a criminal attorney can make use of is the internet. A quick search will give you a wide range of websites of different criminal lawyers and their personal information. This will allow you to compare the different potential choices and to opt for the lawyer who seems best able to defend your rights. Apart from information, you can also use such websites to contact the lawyer directly and ask anything you wish. It is also possible to obtain a free consultation session with the lawyer of your choice so that you will be able to get to know how he approaches your case. Choosing the right criminal lawyer will be instrumental in your case.

If you've been arrested in Broward county, you will need the representation of a Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer [http://www.fortlauderdalecriminalattorney.net] to ensure that your rights are protected in the course of your case. A good criminal lawyer can get you a great plea deal when taking the case to trial is not a good option. To read more visit [http://www.fortlauderdalecriminalattorney.net].

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Our daily lives are heavily under the impact of the legal system of where we live and one day you may need the services of a Criminal Lawyer. This might be subtle, but this is true in all places around the globe. Everything must be conducted according to the existing law; from insignificant thing like walking on the street to very important thing like declaring a war. Moreover, the world that grows rapidly causes several changes. This is the result of the financial loss, new technology, and bad relationships. The changes can cause people who have no bad intention to make a bad mistake which will lead them to the service of criminal defense attorney. Unfortunately, the attorneys are not a perfect help. They will prefer to do collaboration with their clients so that they can help the clients optimally.

Quality time: The easiest way to create a good cooperation with your lawyer is by coming to the meeting that the lawyer has set. This meeting is important for you to discuss everything about your legal problem. There are too many bad examples on the ignorance of the clients. In America only, most clients who have problems with circuit and juvenile cases fail to meet their lawyers.

Meetings with lawyer are crucial, so if your attorney wants to meet you, make sure you say yes. You can even help him or her more by preparing your case's detail, documents, or witnesses. Your lawyer is definitely a busy person. Thus, if you are unable to meet him in certain meeting, call him and reschedule the meeting. The moment before the trial start is not the perfect time to conduct meeting.

Be honest: Be aware who your lawyer is. He or she is not your friend, your priest, or even your parent. The point is that you must never justify, exaggerate, and change any fact in front of your attorney. Just provide things that you remember to be the truth. Your attorney will help you with your case no matter what has happened before. However guilty you might be, they will still give you legal advices, getting you the defenses, and honestly telling you about possible resolutions.

More honest information from your part will be resulting in better defenses from your defender. But if you lie, you cannot expect a good relationship between two parties since there will be no trust. This can lead to unfavorable outcomes that will make you less happy in the end.

The proof is everywhere: In the courts of criminal cases, right or wrong sometimes does not matter anymore. The only valid things are witness credibility, constitutional questions, or best evidence. If the trial has only two witnesses, one from each party, the winner of the case usually is the party that can provide the witness who can tell better story and presenting facts more consistently.

So, help your lawyer finding better defense for you by providing him the details, alibis, witnesses, and corroborating information. If you are not anywhere near the crime scene when it happened, provide proof. You can show restaurant receipts, contact, toll slips, property titles or maybe statements from your associates.

You must not be complacent when you are accused for things that you did not do, even if you cannot actually do it. Everything can happen in the court, and the innocent not always win in the end.

Need a criminal defence lawyer toronto? With over 15 years of successfully defending clients, one of the best criminal lawyer in toronto will you get the legal services you deserve.

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