Criminal Defense

When you are charged with a crime, society tends to view you in a negative light, regardless of the outcome of the case. Our criminal defense firm, however, bases its mission on the ideal that each accused person is innocent until proven guilty. With this principle serving as the foundation of our work, our attorneys work tirelessly to defend clients charged with all criminal matters ranging from minor misdemeanors relating to drug possession to felony charges for homicide.

Regardless of the charges against you, we will work aggressively to defend you in a court of law. We routinely represent clients charged with the following crimes:

Violent Crimes
Sex Offenses
Drug Crimes
Burglary
Theft
Homicide
Arson
DWI or DUI

Sex Offenses

Sex crimes are among the most serious criminal offenses and can often result in lengthy jail sentences. In addition to prison time, sex crime convictions carry a social stigma which is often impossible to erase even after you have served your time. If you have been arrested for a sex-related offense, it is essential that you contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney right away. Our law firm has experience defending clients charged with a variety of sex-offenses including, but not limited to, indecent exposure, prostitution, lewd acts in a public place, possession of child pornography, sexual battery, rape and statutory rape. Our skilled sex crime attorneys will work to ensure your rights are protected and to help maintain your privacy in order to protect you and your loved ones.

Drug Crimes

Being charged with possession or distribution of drugs can often result in harsh penalties. In certain jurisdictions, even the most minor charge of simple possession may be punishable by a jail sentence or probation. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, you should seek legal counsel immediately. Our attorneys will take the time to learn your case inside and out and to devise an aggressive defense strategy.
We will investigate the process by which the evidence was obtained for each charge. In many cases, drugs are found by law enforcement during an illegal search. In these instances, the evidence obtained may not be used against you in a court of law, leading the prosecution to drop the charges. If the evidence in your case was obtained legally, our drug defense lawyers can often negotiate with the prosecution and find alternatives to jail time which may include deferred adjudication or probation.

Violent Crimes

If you have been arrested for a violent crime, you should contact an attorney immediately. Crimes which are considered violent in nature include, but are not limited to, assault, battery, homicide, illegal weapon possession, terroristic threats, domestic violence, kidnapping and carjacking.
Our skilled criminal defense counsel is available to meet with you upon your arrest. We can explore your options and in certain cases, reduce the severity of the charges against you. To ensure that no self-incriminating statements are made, we will communicate directly with law enforcement on your behalf and will guide you on the best course of action to take to protect your rights.

Regardless of the type of crime, our law firm will take the time to learn all about you and the criminal charges you face during the initial consultation. Our attorneys will assess the strength of the evidence against you and advise you on all of the available options. If necessary, we have the ability to conduct a private investigation, contact witnesses and obtain other useful evidence. Treating you with the utmost respect, our criminal defense law firm will aggressively represent you to reach the best resolution, whether through a plea bargain or trial.

What to Do After You're Arrested

Anyone can be arrested, and it could happen to you even if your only prior brush with the law is a traffic ticket. If you find yourself under arrest in the back of a squad car on the way to the police station, do you know what to do? Do you know what to expect? Do you know how to protect your rights?

Ask for a Lawyer

If you've been arrested or the police are investigating a crime and want to talk to you, your first step should be to ask for a lawyer. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent; use it. "Lawyering up" and claiming your rights shouldn't present any sort of an issue. Talking to the police without a lawyer won't change how you'll be treated if the police suspect you in a crime. By agreeing to speak, you may end up hurting yourself.

It can be hard to assert your rights when you're in police custody, and don't give in. Police may appear to promise things will go better if you just answer their questions. Do know that once you've asked to talk to a lawyer, you shouldn't be questioned again. You should not volunteer any further information until your lawyer arrives.

Procedures after Arrest

Once arrested, the booking process is next. At the police station or jail, your fingerprints are taken and you're photographed - your mug shot. The holding cell is your next stop, where you'll wait until you're taken before a judge or magistrate.

During this first appearance in front of the judge, you may be asked if you're guilty or not. Bail or bond issues are taken care of. If you don't have a lawyer yet, the judge will decide whether to appoint a lawyer to represent you, also known as a public defender.

Bail and bond procedures vary by state law. Generally, bail means you're depositing a certain amount of money or pledging property to ensure you'll return to court. If you don't have access to funds or property, you may use the services of a bail bondsman. The bondsman posts a bond with the court, promising your return. You're charged a portion of the full bail amount. If you skip out, the bondsman owes the court the full amount of the bail and will be looking to collect that lost amount from you or those who put up assets to help you.

Arraignment

If you're charged with a crime, you'll return to court for an arraignment hearing. The purpose of the arraignment is to have the charges read to you and for you to enter a plea. You have the right to be present at the arraignment, and to have your lawyer there to represent you. Your lawyer can help explain both the charges, and the plea you'll enter.

Plea Bargains or Trial

Going forward, you may be offered a plea bargain from the prosecutor, or your case may proceed to trial. Actions you take from the moment you're arrested can affect how your case will turn out. Stay calm, know your rights and think and act carefully if you're arrested.

Questions for Your Attorney

I spoke to the police without a lawyer and the police said it would be easier if I answered their questions. Can I have those statements excluded from my trial?
I had to ask repeatedly for a lawyer when I was arrested; does this affect my case at all?
How long can I be kept in a holding cell without talking to my lawyer or seeing a judge after arrest?