Although minor charges, such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and trespassing, are not as serious as felonies, they can still earn you jail time, probation, or a criminal record. You could also be subject to civil penalties, such as fines. If you are facing any of these charges, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney. They'll help you navigate the criminal law system and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Here's why you should speak with them:
They'll Prevent You From Getting a Criminal Record
A conviction, even for a minor offense, could have serious consequences. You could end up with a criminal record that could make it difficult to get a job, housing, or loans in the future. In some states, you might also lose your right to vote or own a firearm. Your reputation could also be damaged. A criminal defense attorney will help you avoid a conviction by negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor or taking your case to trial. You can trust them because they understand the law and know what needs to be done to get you the best outcome.
They'll Help You Understand the Charges Against You
When you're charged with a crime, the prosecutor might tack on additional charges that you're not aware of. For example, if you're charged with shoplifting, the prosecutor might also charge you with trespassing or burglary. These additional charges may result in more serious penalties or fines. A criminal law defense attorney will help you understand your charges and tell you whether they're accurate. They'll also tell you how they can affect you and what you can do about them.
They'll Protect You From Intimidation
Law enforcement agencies can violate rights in several ways during investigation and questioning. For example, they may search your home without a warrant, arrest you before they have enough evidence to do so, or question you without reading your Miranda rights. If it's determined that the police violated your rights during these or other interactions, an attorney can file a motion to suppress evidence, which would prevent it from being used against you in court. These lawyers will also work to get the charges against you dismissed.
They'll Find Out if You're Eligible for a Diversion Program
If you're facing a minor charge, you might be eligible for a diversion program. These programs allow first-time offenders to avoid a conviction by completing certain requirements, such as attending counseling or paying restitution. A criminal defense attorney will find out if you qualify for these programs and help you take advantage of them.
If you're charged with a minor offense, don't handle your case yourself. Hiring a criminal law defense attorney will increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome and avoiding the consequences of a conviction.
Contact a local criminal defense attorney to learn more.
Share18 November 2022
When you start thinking about how to create change in your own life, it can be hard to identify specific changes to make. However, by being a law-abiding citizen and focusing on what really matters, you can streamline the process and make things a lot better. The reason this blog exists is to help people to check out great tricks that could make things better for your family in the long run. For starters, you could identify how to make the law matter, and start focusing more on what to do when it comes to driving safely. You could also arrange your personal affairs so you are never involved with the law, so you can keep your record clean. Read more here.
