When to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
Everybody makes mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes can lead to criminal charges that require a criminal defense lawyer. If you have been arrested for a crime, it is important to know what options are available and when you should hire an attorney. At Avera and Smith, our criminal defense attorneys in Gainesville, Florida, will help protect your rights and work hard to ensure that you get the best possible outcome in your case, possibly even reducing or dismissing your charges. Make sure you have the best chance of defending yourself against any accusations by hiring a defense attorney.
Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you have been arrested for a crime, whether you are at fault or not, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Do not try to represent yourself in court – criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge and experience necessary to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case. Criminal defense lawyers can provide guidance, advice and support throughout the criminal justice process. If hired right away, a criminal defense attorney may be able to get any pending charges against you dismissed or dropped before they are made formal. A criminal defense lawyer can also ensure your rights are protected during the whole legal process, and they can serve as a mediator between you and the person(s) who brought the charges.
Criminal Charges: When to Hire an Attorney
Whether you committed a crime or not, there can be gray areas that are best navigated by a criminal defense attorney. Read on to explore some of the types of charges where it will be helpful to have an attorney on your side.
Assault and Battery
Whether you’re facing an assault and battery charge for self-defense, defending your property, or defending other people, an attorney can help prove that you were acting in self-defense. For example, if acting in self-defense, the criminal defense lawyer will make the case that you had an imminent threat against your own wellbeing, that you didn’t provoke the other person(s), and that there wasn’t a chance of you being able to safely refrain from engaging.
Drug Charges
If you’re found to be in possession of any illegal drugs, such as methamphetamines or cocaine, other charges may also be brought, such as possession, intent to distribute or even drug trafficking. Charges can also be brought against you just for having drug paraphernalia, even if it belongs to someone else. A defense attorney can determine if you were searched unlawfully or if the drugs or other items belonged to someone else and you were forced to hold onto them.
Alcohol Charges
One of the most widely known crimes involving alcohol is a DUI, or when you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Other crimes include public intoxication, violation of open container laws, or if a minor is in possession of alcohol. An attorney can help you navigate these crimes and potentially reduce the consequences you might face.
Theft Charges
Theft can be more than taking something that isn’t yours, and the consequences can vary depending on the type of item stolen and its value. An attorney can show that you had a right to the property, or they can show that the property was taken mistakenly and/or returned to its rightful owner.
Financial Charges
More common types of financial crimes include stealing money or property and selling it for profit, whether it’s stealing a credit card, attempting to defraud an insurance company, forgery, or something similar. If facing a criminal financial charge, hire a defense attorney right away.
Homicide Charges
Homicide and attempted homicide charges are often surrounded by many ambiguous details, especially if the homicide was an accident or if you were acting in self-defense.
Have Questions? We’re Here for You
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, hire a criminal defense attorney right away, and wait to speak to anyone until you speak with your attorney. Delaying to hire an attorney, even by a few days, could put your case in jeopardy.
When you need a criminal defense attorney, the legal experts at Avera & Smith are here for you. We’ll listen to you, determine if you have a valid case, fight for your rights, advise you on what to do, and stay by your side from start to finish.