WHEN DO I NEED A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY?

Frequently, a police officer will contact you before you’re charged, hoping to obtain a confession. You have the right to an attorney present during questioning. The police don’t warn you of that right because they often haven’t placed you in formal custody prior to the discussion. The police use this strategy hoping to make their case easier to prove. Whenever contacted by the police, always ask for time to confer with Counsel. That’s usually the time to retain an attorney.

When charged with a crime and facing jail or prison, you should never be without an attorney. You may have been taken to jail, posted bond and now must follow the court system for dealing with the criminally accused. Fortunately, you are not presumed guilty. The strong presumption of innocence remains with you unless the prosecutor proves your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your rights and make the prosecution meet its burden of proof. Whether guilty as charged or wrongly accused, having an attorney is essential to protect your rights, fight for your freedom and advise you throughout.

Sometimes a resolution without trial, a plea bargain, may be necessary depending on the evidence against you. Often the prosecutor has weaknesses in their case and a criminal defense lawyer can articulate reasons a case should be dismissed or at least a better resolution offered. The stakes are high when facing a conviction with the prospects of jail, prison, or even probation. You should never stand by yourself. The government has an attorney and so should you.

A criminal defense lawyer can protect you from the power of the government, make the prosecutor prove you guilty and raise Constitutional issues. Sometimes it’s necessary to hire experts to counter the prosecution and educate the jury.

I will forever remember you and what you’ve done for me that has changed my life forever. I cannot thank you enough for your professional help in spite of my incredibly bad and wrong choices. In spite of my embarrassment, you made me com- fortable in a truly uncomfortable and scary situation. I’m on my way to putting everything behind me.

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I was arrested again because I failed to follow through on the deal you were able to get me. I sat in CDC for several days not knowing what was going to happen to me. I was extremely scared, deprived of sleep and full of nervousness – one of my most terrifying experiences. You gave me hope when you spoke with me that maybe I would be alright. I spoke to you about my fears, the fact I wanted to be free and part of my family, that has gone through very rough times for the past years. I know I could see in your eyes the compassion you felt for my situation and knowing I’m not a bad person, I had just made mistakes. I didn’t know if after I messed up and failed, I would have any chance to be a free man again. I want to personally thank you for being there. To see you show up, defend me and try your best to get me out of my situation, lifted the weight off my shoulders more than you can imagine. For you to take the time to talk to my mother also means a great deal to me. I wish I could find the words to thank you, to show my appreciation for how you came through for my mom, my family and myself. Thank you, may God bless you and your family.Sincerely and appreciatively,

The criminal defense attorneys at The Defenders, a division of the Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm, have handled thousands of cases involving misdemeanors and felonies throughout Nevada and offer a free consultation and payment plans.