Consider These Things before Hiring a Criminal Lawyer

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

When you’re facing criminal charges, it’s imperative that you consult the best criminal defense attorney immediately. If you have an aggressive and skilled lawyer on your side, it would spell the difference between a dismissed or reduced criminal charge and a prison sentence.

Before you hire a criminal lawyer, consider these things:

• *The sooner you hire an attorney, the better results you’ll get. The longer you wait; it’s possible that witnesses will forget exactly what happened and the more chances for the evidence to be contaminated.
• *It’s important to hire a lawyer that specializes in your specific crime.
• *Moreover, it’s critical that you get someone who’s familiar with local court procedures and customs where you were arrested. Local defense attorneys will have a better chance to lessen your sentence, reduce your charges, or negotiate a good deal.
• *Have an open communication with your lawyer starting from initial consultation so that you’ll have a realistic and clear understanding of your possible punishment. So make sure that you’re comfortable with your chosen lawyer before committing to move forward.
• *Don’t hesitate to discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer even if you’re guilty. It’s highly likely that your lawyer can investigate your case details further and negotiate a favorable deal with the prosecutor.
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Constitutional Issues on Search and Seizure

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

When you refer to the United States Constitution (Fourth Amendment), the “exclusionary rule” protects the public from illegal searches or seizures. Under this rule, any case evidence derived from such illegal search or seizure will be suppressed.

Therefore, this rule is specifically designed to deter possible unlawful police conduct. Also, it assures citizens that they have the right to be free from any unreasonable privacy invasion, even if they are criminal suspects. To a lesser extent, this rule is also designed to protect judicial process’ integrity from possible unlawful government conduct effects.

Remember that you’re never required to consent to any police search. Although sometimes, you may be threatened with detention, you still have the absolute right to decline the search. However, this would not mean that you have the right to physically stop a search if it’s lawful such as when the police have probable cause or they have a warrant of arrest.

Probable cause is when the police possess very strong evidence that you have committed a particular crime. Under Federal law, the police do not have to advise you of your right to refuse a search. However, under New Jersey state laws, the police should advise you of this right – otherwise, the search and seizure would be considered unlawful.

Immediately contact a criminal defense attorney if you’re a victim of an illegal search and seizure. To make it easier, you can search for hundreds of experienced attorneys online using attorney directories.

Tags: attorney directories, attorneys, Criminal, criminal defense attorney, exclusionary rule, Fourth Amendment, illegal search and seizure, laws, New Jersey, probable cause, United States Constitution, unlawful search and seizure
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The Art of Bail Reduction

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

If the defendant wants to be set free while waiting for the next hearing, he or she can post bail. This deposit money is a guarantee for the court that the defendant will return for the next hearing to retrieve his cash.

The amount of bail varies from person to person. For example, if the defendant is rich, then a small sum won’t be enough incentive for him to return.

Moreover, there are cases when the bail is too high for the defendant to give. In this case, a criminal defense attorney can help lower the amount of bail. This can be arranged on a separate hearing with the sole purpose of requesting bail reduction.

Criminal attorneys are knowledgeable in presenting facts to the court. All they need is to prove that their client does not have the intention or motive to run away. After this, the court will determine the bail amount. Take note that this amount may change if there’s a change in the defendant’s circumstances. However, the court will not allow the bail option if the defendant is considered a danger to society.

Aside from cash, a bond may also be an option to post bail. However, it may end up more expensive in the end because bond companies typically charge huge interest rates.

Tags: bail, bond, criminal attorneys, criminal defense attorney
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