Criminal Attorney

Attorney Experience

2008-02-13T22:47:00.000+08:00

When it comes to criminal law cases, an experienced and effective criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a prison sentence and reduced or dismissed charges. The lawyers of Imhoff & Associates are dedicated to defending the rights of the accused and our criminal defense attorneys are committed to the presumption of innocence. Even in less serious cases, a good criminal defense attorney can make a serious impact on the outcome of the case by ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected throughout the legal process. For these and other reasons, it is vital that those accused of a crime select the most competent, experienced and effective attorney available.

If you have been accused of a crime, please contact us today for a free consultation with an aggressive and resourceful criminal defense attorney. We will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your criminal legal matter.

Our lawyers are intimately familiar with all facets of criminal defense and may help clients with the following:

Work to get the charges dropped or lowered
Interview police, involved parties, and any possible witnesses to expose any lies or exaggerations
Make sure that no evidence against our client was obtained illegally
Conduct a thorough pre-trial investigation
Employ a private investigator, ballistics expert, polygraphist, or any other experts that may be able to help strengthen our client’s defense
Obtain expert witnesses to testify on behalf of our clients
Negotiate with prosecutors to make sure our clients face the minimum possible penalties

Imhoff & Associates will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for a client’s case.

Florida DUI Criminal Attorneys

2007-07-05T07:26:00.000+08:00

Penalties and consequences of DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) in Florida state include fines, loss of license, vehicular immobilization, increase rate of insurance fees, community service, and even jail time. With the complexity and unique nature of Florida DUI Laws, it would be hard to represent one's self even with a minor offense. It is best to get help from an expert and seek legal advice from a Florida DUI criminal lawyer.

DUI Crime

In the state of Florida, it is a crime to drive with 0.08% alcohol in the blood, urine, or breath. You have ten days to submit a written request for administrative hearing to prevent his or her license from being suspended (suspensions last fir at least 30 days). At this point, it is best to hire a lawyer to request for a plea in your behalf. The lawyer will study your case to formulate the best possible plea and negotiation, so that you would not need to go to trial at all.

Getting a lawyer

Again, if you commit a DUI violation in the state of Florida, it is best to get a Florida criminal lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in Florida DUI Legislation. This is also because DUI Laws could change over time. An example of this is the bill that Governor Bush signed on April 7, 2002 that changed many of the DUI Laws and added several other statutes. These laws can be quite complex and tricky but it would be a lot easier for a lawyer who specializes in these laws to find a loophole and help you work your way out of the case, or at least get you a good deal.

Resources

Several resources that may help you would be the Internet where keying in "Florida DUI Attorney" in your favorite search engine could lead you to a hundred lawyers who specialize in drunk driving defense cases in Florida. You could also check out online databases of lawyers, which offer a wide variety of DUI lawyers categorized according to location.

What Is A Criminal Attorney Really For?

2007-07-03T07:26:00.000+08:00

A criminal attorney is the most famous and well-known type of attorney in a courtroom case. The more popular cases that have gotten media attention have had some very famous criminal attorneys giving elegant and deep oral presentations for their clients. The media is known to make things appear more exciting and appealing, especially the one on trial. Many people would tell you the criminal attorney is just as guiltier of the crime as the client is. We have to have an open mind to realize the client is not guilty until proven to be.

Criminal attorneys are necessary for criminal courts in the fact that they are standing up for the client, guilty or innocent, and are the view of anyone who is following the case on a diligent basis. A criminal attorney is capable of doing anything to make sure the client accused is given a fair chance in the court. They are great at arguing about procedures and evidence meant to show innocence by using any method necessary.

The public seems to be leaning to the results showing the victim justice. The criminal attorney is the one responsible for showing valid evidence for the client who is supposed to have committed the crime. They are also the ones that will be given the job of defending the accused when it is a horrible crime. The attorney must rid the mind of any assumptions, tear down any valid witnesses, and convince the members of the jury that the accused is not guilty. The capable defense attorneys need to have an acting ability that is remarkable and the skill for tearing a witness down with any weakness that is necessary for the win. When talking to the jury, the attorney needs to be able to touch the human emotions and cause a doubt in the minds of the people sitting there.

Many criminal attorneys are made to perform without knowledge or all the ingredients needed to help the client. The morals and values of the attorney are not needed and must be put away when defending someone. Some cases do not require the person be found guilty and are only needed to provide the client with a lighter sentence for what they are accused of doing. It is also possible to make the crimes accused of go down in rank, to something less heinous.

This job may seem large and uneasy and only a small amount is good at what they do. Some have excelled and given their reputation the respect earned from the colleagues and peers. If you are thinking of the choices available to you in the legal profession and are serious about becoming a criminal defense attorney, make certain you are up to the challenges that are necessary for a great career. If not, you could be the laughing stock of the legal world.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers

2007-06-16T10:18:00.000+08:00

Los Angeles is a city of fun and dreams. It attracts thousands of young people, as it is the center of entertainment and also is a business place for many professionals. But it can become a nightmare if you are caught doing a criminal act.

A crime is any act done in violation of public law. If you are facing any criminal charges then you can get help from criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles. Criminal law is branch of law that defines crimes, establishes punishments, and regulates the investigation and prosecution of people accused of committing crimes.

Criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles are very famous for their intelligence and professionalism. There are thousands of criminal defense lawyers who might help you in your case. There are many lawyers who specialize in criminal cases and also take cases of civil defense and other kind of laws. One has to find a lawyer who specializes in criminal law. There are many legal associations in Los Angeles. One should aware about the different associations. The lawyer should be a member such an organization.

The need for an experienced, professional criminal lawyer is always there, because Los Angeles has the busiest court system in the United States. It means there is a huge crowd in the courts, and the judges and prosecutors are also very busy. Therefore, a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who is experienced and respected by his peers in the justice system can achieve greater results. Also, criminal charges in Los Angeles have high fines and harsh punishments; therefore, one really requires a professional criminal defense lawyer.

Los Angeles Lawyers provides detailed information on Los Angeles Lawyer, Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers, Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Lawyers and more. Los Angeles Lawyers is affiliated with Los Angeles Business Attorneys.

Criminal & DWI Defense in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens NY 2

2007-06-11T07:51:00.000+08:00

by Jason Steinberger

Jason A. Steinberger has dedicated himself solely to defending individuals charged with crimes. Over this period, he has earned the respect of fellow colleagues, prosecutors, and Judges throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk areas of the New York State and Federal courts. Mr. Jason A. Steinberger has dedicated himself solely to defending individuals and businesses charged with crimes. Mr. Jason A. Steinberger has successfully litigated and negotiated hundreds of criminal cases during his career. He has had many a proud achievements, but none are as important as the personal satisfaction he receives from working hard and achieving wonderful results for his clients.

We understand that if you have been charged with a crime, then the lawyer you choose will be the most important decision you will ever make. That decision decides whether you will spend the rest of your life in the jail or outside the jail. Mr. Steinberger established his firm years ago with only one purpose - to be completely and exclusively dedicated to defending individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses and to provide them with the best possible defense.

Another very important aspect in Mr. Steinberger's success is the quality relationships he maintains with his clients. Mr. Steinberger always treats his clients with integrity and respect for their needs, goals, and objectives. He focuses on aggressive, intelligent representation and pledges to listen and communicate with the clients.

DWI stands for, 'driving while intoxicated' and it is unlawful for anyone who has a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more, to drive a motor vehicle. To be convicted of a DWI in New York, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was driving or possessed actual physical control of the vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol and they must also prove that the arresting officer had legal, reasonable suspicion for stopping the vehicle in the first place.

A DWI conviction can have a far reaching effect on your life. Therefore, it makes sense that you know at least the fundamentals of DWI laws. In case of a DWI arrest, you should get in touch with a good DWI lawyer to protect you. A DWI attorney will be able to prepare a strong DWI defense to ensure that all your legal rights are not compromised. They can also help reduce the charges against you.

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk areas of the New York State, it is very important that you contact an experienced DWI lawyer like Jason A. Steinberger immediately, who is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney can help you identify important pretrial issues and dramatically improve your chances during the case.

At Law Offices of Jason A. Steinberger, LLC, we also utilize the state-of-the-art technology and cost effective methods to provide services in a timely, client-oriented environment.

About the Author

Author is the former New York State Criminal & DWI Prosecutor, and former Adjunct Law Professor at Hofstra University Law School. You can find more information at http://www.jasonsteinberger.com.

Disclosure in Criminal Proceedings

2007-06-11T07:47:00.000+08:00

1 "Disclosure is one of the most important - as well as one of the most abused - of the procedures relating to criminal trials. There needs to be a sea-change in the approach of both judges and the parties to all aspects of the handling of the material which the prosecution do not intend to use in support of their case. For too long, a wide range of serious misunderstandings has existed . . ."

Disclosure: A protocol for the control and management of unused material in the Crown Court (20 February 2006 - Mr Justice Fulford and Mr Justice Oppenshaw et al).

2 The legal sources relating to disclosure can be neatly found in a variety of scattered sources:

i) the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 as amended (the Act); ii) the Code of Practice, issued under section 23 of the Act (the Code); iii) Parts 25-28 of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005 (the Rules); iv) the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (Defence Disclosure Time Limits) Regulations 1997 issued under section 12 of the Act (the Regulations); v) In addition, the Attorney General has issued Guidelines on Disclosure, which build on the existing law.

3 The correct test for disclosure will depend upon the date the relevant criminal investigation commenced:

i) In relation to offences in respect of which the criminal investigation began prior to 1 April 1997, the common law will apply, and the test for disclosure is that set out in R v Keane [1994] 1 W.L.R. 746; (1994) 99 Cr. App. R. 1. ii) If the criminal investigation commenced on or after 1 April 1997, but before 4 April 2005, then the CPIA in its original form will apply, with separate tests for disclosure of unused prosecution material at the primary and secondary disclosure stages (the latter following service of a defence statement by the accused). The disclosure provisions of the Act are supported by the 1997 edition of the Code of Practice issued under section 23(1) of the CPIA (Statutory Instrument 1997 No. 1033). iii) Where the criminal investigation has commenced on or after 4 April 2005, the law is set out in the CPIA as amended by Part V of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. There is then a single test for disclosure of unused prosecution material and the April 2005 edition of the Code of Practice under section 23(1) of the CPIA will apply (see SI 2005 No. 985). iv) The CPIA also identifies the stage(s) at which the prosecution is required to disclose material, and the formalities relating to defence statements. The default time limit for prosecution disclosure is set out in section 13 of the Act. The time limits applicable to defence disclosure are set out in the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (Defence Disclosure Regulations) 1997 (S.I. 1997 No. 684). v) Regard must be had to the Attorney General's Guidelines on Disclosure (April 2005). Although these do not have the force of law (R v Winston Brown [1995] 1 Cr. App. R. 191; [1994] 1 WLR 1599) they should be given due weight. vi) Part 25 of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005 (see SI 2005 No. 384) sets out the procedures to be followed for applications to the court concerning both sensitive and non-sensitive unused material. Part 3 of the Rules is also relevant in respect of the court's general case management powers, and parties should also have regard to the Consolidated Criminal Practice Direction. vii) Parts 22 and 23 of the Criminal Procedure Rules are set aside to make provision for other rules concerning disclosure by the prosecution and the defence, although at the date of this Protocol there are no rules under those Parts.

The Disclosure Protocol

4 The Disclosure Protocol is concerned with the management of issues relating to unused material in the Crown Court. Its main feature is a requirement for strict compliance with the disclosure provisions of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 ("the Act"), and the statutory Code of Practice laid under section 23 of the Act, where they apply to the proceedings.

The "overarching principle"

5 The overarching principle is therefore that unused prosecution material will fall to be disclosed if, and only if, it satisfies the test for disclosure applicable to the proceedings in question, subject to any overriding public interest considerations.

The test for disclosure

6 The House of Lords indicated in R v H and C [2004] 2 AC 134 paragraph 35 that:

"If material does not weaken the prosecution case or strengthen that of the defendant, there is no requirement to disclose it."

7 The protocol, consistent with the need for strict compliance with the Act, requires an end to free-standing orders for disclosure by judges otherwise than those properly made in the context of hearings conducted under section 8 of the Act and r25.6 of the Criminal Procedure Rules, following service of a defence

Conclusions

8 Disclosure is an area of constantly shifting ground with the establishment attempting to limit not only its application, but also the time dedicated in court to determining issues falling under its ambit. A good understanding of the legal sources of disclosure responsibilities proves invaluable in this ever changing environment.

Technorati tags: criminal attorney Ron Paul ron paul Galilea Montijo galilea montijo murray waas RailsConf railsconf youtube gtd myspace popfly paris hilton bebo mario lopez immigration wolfowitz aquantive joost videos starcraft starcraft 2 michael buble

How to Find an Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer

2007-05-27T08:25:00.000+08:00

Although no one ever hopes they'll need a criminal defense lawyer, the need arises more often than you might imagine. If you live in Indiana - whether in South Bend, Crown Point, Indianapolis, Valparaiso, or any other city or town - it's important to be able to find a good criminal defense attorney in your time of need. But how do you go about assessing the strengths of an attorney? Here are some tips to help you select a lawyer that meets your needs and circumstances.

Geographic Familiarity

While laws apply to the entire state, each Indiana county has its own approach to criminal justice. As is true for every state, there is some variation in law enforcement from area to area. Judges, prosecuting attorneys, and probation officers have quite a bit of leeway in how misdemeanor and felony cases are handled. It's important, then, to find a criminal defense lawyer or legal team that has experience in the geographic area where the crime was allegedly committed. Local approaches and procedures can affect the outcome of a case, and a lawyer who is familiar with those differences can work them to his client's advantage.

Type of Criminal Charge

Some criminal defense attorneys specialize in one type of criminal charge, such as crimes involving a weapon, or traffic ticket appeals, or sentence modification. The best criminal defense lawyers, however, have a broad range of experience in a variety of charges - everything from traffic ticket appeals to felony DUI to carjacking to homicide. Make sure that you select a lawyer who has a broad range of experience, and who is a seasoned trial attorney. Hopefully, the case will never go to trial, but if it does, you want to ensure that you have the best representation available to you or your loved one.

Fighting on Behalf of the Client

A good criminal defense lawyer takes a number of steps to ensure that his client obtains the most favorable outcome. The first step is to take the time to examine the facts of the case. An experienced attorney can see where the police investigation may have been weak, where the prosecution's evidence is lacking, and whether or not Indiana law has been correctly applied to the case.

The next step is to take proactive steps on the client's behalf. By offering a client's defense in the best possible light, and by acting in a timely manner, a good attorney can often have charges for the most serious crimes dismissed or lowered in severity. In contrast, the clients of lawyers who wait until the last minute are rarely offered the best outcomes.

Cost and Availability

When looking for an Indiana criminal defense attorney, cost may not be the primary consideration, but it does enter the picture. Some of the best lawyers offer free initial consultations for the specific problem you or your loved one are facing.

When making your choice, you have a right to expect that your lawyer will be available to you when you need him. Facing criminal charges can be frightening, depressing, and stressful. Knowing that your lawyer is available in a timely manner to answer your questions and address your concerns is of primary importance.

With the right Indiana criminal defense attorney, your legal troubles will soon be behind you or your loved one, and you can get back to enjoying life.

Technorati tags: criminal attorney Ron Paul ron paul Galilea Montijo galilea montijo murray waas RailsConf railsconf youtube gtd myspace popfly paris hilton bebo mario lopez immigration wolfowitz aquantive joost videos starcraft starcraft 2 michael buble

How to Find a Good Attorney

2007-05-23T14:47:00.000+08:00

by Steve Dimeck

How to find a good attorney is a question on everyone's mind when in need of a lawyer. And it's difficult for an ordinary person to know how to find a good attorney. The legal profession is just like any other profession where you have good, disciplined and honest members as well as bad, not disciplined and dishonest ones. And in the legal profession, unfortunately, only fellow attorneys and judges know who is who. That leaves us, the ordinary people, to learn as best as we could on ways of how to find a good attorney to represent our case.

When faced with a legal issue that requires lawyer's participation, the only thing worse than not having a lawyer is to have a bad one. However, the "good" and the "bad" labels are a subject to a personal judgment. As mentioned above, while only fellow attorneys and judges know who is the good, the bad, and the ugly attorney, in the ordinary human world, two people could share a totally opposite opinion about one attorney who represented both of their cases. It's all based on the results that the attorney was able to obtain for them and whether the clients' expectations were met or not. This leads us to a conclusion that when we have a lack of resources to evaluate our prospect attorneys, we need to depend solely upon our individual judgment to pick a good attorney for our case.

On the other hand, there are ways to at least sense a bad attorney. Wait! Isn't it the subject of this article "How to find a good attorney"? Indeed so. In order for you to know how to find a good attorney, you need to know how to at least sense a bad one. Let's touch up on some basics.

1. Very simple. If you need to file for a divorce, would you call a criminal lawyer? Of course not. That's a bad lawyer for your case. On the same note, if other than a divorce lawyer is offering to handle your case, you would say no. You immediately know that a good lawyer for your case would be the one who has expertise in whatever legal issue you're facing.

2. You somehow find a lawyer that has the expertise in your problem area and you make a contact with him or her. But, it takes that lawyer a week or two to get back to you. That attorney may not be a bad lawyer but he or she may be overbooked with other clients and does not have enough time to give the needed attention to your case. That's a bad lawyer for your case. That attorney needs to immediately tell you that because of their current work load he or she wouldn't be able to handle your case. But if he or she doesn't tell you that, you need to immediately dismiss that attorney and look for another one who can give you the needed attention.

3. Here comes the bad one. It is highly unethical for a lawyer to pay a referral fee or a bonus for "leads" on new cases. (Depending on state law, a referral fee sometimes may be paid to another lawyer, but it needs to be disclosed to the client). Some of the profession's "bad apples" may still engage in the practice of paying "runners" for tips on new clients. So if a stranger (or even someone that you know) seems excessively persistent that you need to see a lawyer, or just happens to have a supply of the attorney's business cards, look out! This is not the kind of person who deserves your trust. On the same note, if you bump into a lawyer who does not take his or her time to understand your case but is also excessively persistent that you need to hire him or her, look out!

Now, let's cover some basics on ways of how to find a good attorney.

1. One of the best ways on how to find a good attorney is to ask someone whose opinion you trust; another lawyer, your accountant, banker, coworker, family friend, business acquaintance. These are the people that you trust and you know that they wouldn't refer you to a bad lawyer if they happen to know one related to your legal need.

2. If the above doesn't work for you, you could always call a company that may be represented by a lawyer of your need. For an example, if you're looking for a real estate lawyer, call a title company and ask them who they use. If you need a collection lawyer, call a collection agency. But, if your issue is pure personal, ask anyone who you trust, who has recently been through a lawsuit, and who is very satisfied with their lawyer. Even if that lawyer is not the right one for your case, you know that you're contacting a good lawyer. Call that lawyer and explain that you couldn't find an attorney on your own and ask him or her if they could refer you to the appropriate attorney for your case. Lawyers are the best source of information about other lawyers. And a good lawyer will always refer you to another good lawyer who could handle your case.

3. And last but not least on how to find a good lawyer, call your local or state bar association and ask them to refer you to a lawyer who is in good standing with the bar. Also, always check with your state or local bar association if your prospect lawyer has ever been the subject of an ethical complaint or inquiry.

To sum up the ways on how to find a good attorney, the primary considerations in selecting an attorney needs to be whether you feel comfortable with the attorney selected, and if you are confident that the attorney is competent in his or her field of expertise. You must feel very comfortable with the attorney and must feel confident that the attorney selected is the one who can capably handle your needs. Make sure that you interview two or three lawyers before making a decision on which one to retain. Ask yourself when interviewing a lawyer: "Do I feel comfortable talking to this lawyer, and am I confident in his or her abilities?" If the answer is anything other than a definite "yes," you need to keep looking. Your case is too important to entrust to someone who does not inspire your confidence.

Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace the legal advice you need to get from a lawyer, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. Laws vary from state-to-state and change from time-to-time. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about the issues described in this article. Thank you.

About the Author

This article was produced by Attorney Resources and Lawyer Information website. Please visit http://lawyer.bestinfo4you.com/find-attorney.html if you need to find a lawyer.

Disclosure in Criminal Proceedings

2007-05-22T08:00:00.000+08:00

by Ian Mann

Disclosure: A protocol for the control and management of unused material in the Crown Court (20 February 2006 - Mr Justice Fulford and Mr Justice Oppenshaw et al).

2 The legal sources relating to disclosure can be neatly found in a variety of scattered sources:

3 The correct test for disclosure will depend upon the date the relevant criminal investigation commenced:

The Disclosure Protocol

The "overarching principle"

The test for disclosure

6 The House of Lords indicated in R v H and C [2004] 2 AC 134 paragraph 35 that:

"If material does not weaken the prosecution case or strengthen that of the defendant, there is no requirement to disclose it."

Conclusions

About the Author

Ian Mann is a Public and Employment Law Barrister at 13 King's Bench Walk, Temple http://www.employment-barrister-uk.com and http://www.13kbw.co.uk

Criminal Defense Attorney - Drug Charges

2007-05-22T07:55:00.000+08:00

by Steve Madigan

Are you having some problems with drugs? Have you been arrested lately for selling, using, trafficking, possessing or even manufacturing marijuana or some other type of controlled substance? Have you answered yes to this question? If so, then you are in need of a criminal defense attorney who has specialized in drug related charges.

If you have been arrested, you are going to have to see a judge for your charges. If you are to show up in court in front of a judge without being represented by an attorney, you are not making a wise decision. What could happen is you could end up when all is said and done with a felony conviction. You will not want to have this felony on your record for the future.

Drug laws will vary from state to state. What you are going to want to have is a criminal defense attorney who practices law in the state or area that your offense has taken place. You are going to want to find a criminal defense attorney who will take your case is going to be the key to having a chance of beating or even reducing the charges altogether.

A Marijuana Charge

What you are going to find is a criminal defense attorney can help you with a marijuana charge. The public defender is not going to be able to help you like a criminal defense attorney can. The public defender will not put up an adequate defense to make it positive for the offender.

Some states allow marijuana being legal to some extent, such as the use of medical marijuana. The public defender will tell you to plead guilty to make the charge just go away. If you have a criminal defense attorney you can easily get the first charge lowered to a misdemeanor. You have to remember the criminal defense attorney get a retainer from you, so they are working for you.

Compared to the public defender, who get nothing monetary from you, they have no reason to find or work for the lightest sentence or charge possible. They are looking for the easy way out at your expense.

Your first offense for marijuana is usually a misdemeanor and you could get a couple of hunderd dollar fine. What happens if you are caught again and you don't use a criminal defense attorney? You may have a felony on your record, and the possibility of up to 3 years in jail. By using a criminal defense attorney, can help you avoid the jail time all together.

What Does a Felony Do to Your Future

You do not want to have a felony drug charge on your record if you can avoid it. This can effect you for a long time to come. Did you know that you are not allowed to vote, if you are convicted of a felony. This right is taken away from you because of the felony.

When you are job hunting, most employers will do a background check, and when they see the felony charge, you may have some trouble getting that job that you want.

Here is another thing that you may not know about felony charges. If you receive a drug charge, you will not be able to receive a government grant or even fiancial aid for school. What a criminal defense attorney can do for you is to get you the best possible results if you have been suspected of some type of drug charge. Just make sure you do your checking on them, when you are thinking about hiring or retaining a criminal defense attorney.

For more information on this topic as well as other attorney related topics visit: Attorneys

About the Author

Have had many articles published on a variety of subjects. Co author of the best selling golf ebook called "Putt Lights Out". You can find this ebook at http://www.puttlightsout.com. For more information on attorneys and related topics visit http://www.attorneysearchadvice.com

Facts About Criminal Defense

2007-05-19T11:03:00.000+08:00

When people are accused of a crime, they face the terrible possibility of going to jail. A good attorney can represent anyone committed with a crime to the best of his or her ability. They can negotiate with prosecutors and can often arrange for reduced charges or lesser sentencing.

Criminal defense lawyers do much more than simply question witnesses in court. Good defense attorneys will:

Formulate sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the justice system.
Provide defendants with a reality check, a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their cases go to trial. This perspective is vital for defendants trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor's offered "plea bargain".
Are familiar with important legal rules because many criminal law rules are hidden away in court interpretations of federal and state constitutions.
Are familiar with local court customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere (for example, a lawyer may know which prosecutor has the "real" authority to settle a case, and what kinds of arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor).
Understand the possible "hidden costs" of pleading
guilty which a self-represented person might never
think about.
Spend crucial time on your case.
Gather information from prosecution witnesses.
Hire and manage investigators, who may be able to believably impeach (contradict) prosecution witnesses who embellish or change their stories at trial.

Finding a Defense Attorney

When faced with charges, trying to find the right lawyer, quickly, may feel overwhelming.

People who have been recently arrested need to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The most urgent priority is often getting a lawyer to help arrange release and provide some information about what's to come in the days ahead.

Contact a Lawyer in your area now.

Technorati tags: attorney criminal defense attorney lawyer criminal

Criminal Law Attorneys

2007-05-15T10:53:00.000+08:00

Criminal Law Attorneys

What Do Criminal Law Attorneys Do?

Unlike civil law, which involves private law suits between two or more private entities, criminal law attorneys represent clients who are being prosecuted by the state or federal government for an act that has been classified as a crime. Any act or failure to perform an act as designated by public law is considered a crime. With the exception of strict liability crimes, most crimes consist of three elements: an act (actus reus), a mental state (mens rea) and the intent to do social harm. Crimes are classified as "misdemeanors" (less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft, or possession of a small amount of marijuana) and "felonies" (more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder).

In criminal law, the suit is initiated by the state or federal government through a prosecutor rather than being initiated by the victim, as it is in civil law. Plaintiffs in a civil law suit only need to show by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant is 51% or more liable (responsible) for the damages. But, the prosecutor in a criminal law case has to prove to the judge or jury "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.

Things to Consider:

Can I answer not guilty even if I am guilty?

You are innocent until you are proven guilty. Your criminal law attorney may think that the evidence against you is not enough to prove that you are guilty. You may have a better chance if you have a trial. You have a trial only if you plead not guilty.

Can I be arrested for questioning?

No. Police can request you to accompany them to a police station for questioning but you are not required to go unless you have been arrested for an offence. It is not advisable to speak with the police until you have first spoken with your criminal law attorney. You should ask for a criminal law attorney or independent witness to be present during questioning.

If I am arrested, should I hire a Criminal Law Attorney?

You may be entitled to a court appointed attorney at public expense, known as a public defender, if you qualify as an indigent person. An indigent person is one who cannot hire a criminal law attorney without causing substantial hardship to himself/herself or dependent family. If you have been charged with a crime, you may complete an Affidavit of Indigence and Request for Court Appointed Counsel at your first court appearance. If you qualify, a criminal law attorney will be appointed for you. If you are convicted of a crime, the court may require you to repay some or all of the cost of your defense if it determines any financial ability to do so.

Because few people qualify for a court appointed criminal law attorney at the public's expense, most people arrested for crimes hire a criminal defense attorney.

Please select a criminal law attorney.

Alabama Criminal Lawyers
Alaska Criminal Lawyers
Arizona Criminal Lawyers
Arkansas Criminal Lawyers
California Criminal Lawyers
Colorado Criminal Lawyers
Connecticut Criminal Lawyers
Delaware Criminal Lawyers
Washington DC Criminal Lawyers
Florida Criminal Lawyers
Georgia Criminal Lawyers
Hawaii Criminal Lawyers
Idaho Criminal Lawyers
Illinois Criminal Lawyers
Indiana Criminal Lawyers
Iowa Criminal Lawyers
Kansas Criminal Lawyers
Kentucky Criminal Lawyers
Louisiana Criminal Lawyers
Maine Criminal Lawyers
Maryland Criminal Lawyers
Massachusetts Criminal Lawyers
Michigan Criminal Lawyers
Minnesota Criminal Lawyers
Mississippi Criminal Lawyers

Missouri Criminal Lawyers
Montana Criminal Lawyers
Nebraska Criminal Lawyers
Nevada Criminal Lawyers
New Hampshire Criminal Lawyers
New Jersey Criminal Lawyers
New Mexico Criminal Lawyers
New York Criminal Lawyers
North Carolina Criminal Lawyers
North Dakota Criminal Lawyers
Ohio Criminal Lawyers
Oklahoma Criminal Lawyers
Oregon Criminal Lawyers
Pennsylvania Criminal Lawyers
Rhode Island Criminal Lawyers
South Carolina Criminal Lawyers
South Dakota Criminal Lawyers
Tennessee Criminal Lawyers
Texas Criminal Lawyers
Utah Criminal Lawyers
Vermont Criminal Lawyers
Virginia Criminal Lawyers
Washington Criminal Lawyers
West Virginia Criminal Lawyers
Wisconsin Criminal Lawyers
Wyoming Criminal Lawyers
Puerto Rico Criminal Lawyers

Technorati tags: criminal criminal attorney criminal lawyer criminal attorneys

Are You Thinking Of Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney?

2007-05-05T10:43:00.000+08:00

by: D Ruplinger

If you have been arrested or accused of a crime that has the potential of jail or prison time, you may want to seriously consider hiring an attorney to represent you. Unless you don’t mind the possibility of spending time in jail, you’ll probably want the services of an attorney.

Almost any expert will strongly advise a person against representing him or herself in court unless they are very knowledgeable about the field of law; and even then he or she will still be discouraged from representing him or herself for a criminal case. Less than one percent of people represent themselves in a criminal case. The vast majority of people engage the services of an attorney. That is because it is very difficult for someone to represent him or herself in court.

You wouldn’t want someone without any knowledge of how to do heart surgery doing a heart transplant on you would you? Likewise, would you want to represent yourself in court and face possible prison time without having the best possible legal advice available to you?

If a person cannot afford to hire an attorney the court will appoint an attorney, typically called a public defender. The constitution of the United States requires a person be provided with legal representation if they cannot afford it. But it is only required if a person is facing possible jail or prison time. If a person is only facing the possibility of a fine, the court is not required to provide the defendant with an attorney.

A court appointed attorney may not cost the defendant any money or the defendant may receive the court appointed attorney at reduced fees. It depends on the income of the defendant. If a person wants a public defender they will be required to fill out financial documents for the court to determine whether or not they qualify for a public defender and also whether or not that they receive the services of the public defender for free or at a reduced cost.

If a person qualifies for a reduced cost court appointed attorney, it is generally called a partial indigency. At the conclusion of their case, the judge will require the defendant to reimburse the county or state for a specific portion of their legal fees. The rates are usually much lower than those charged by private defense attorneys.

If you do not qualify for a court appointed attorney and are hiring one on your own, how do you find one? Personal recommendations from people you know are almost always the best way to find an attorney. Other sources of information to help find a criminal attorney are: Internet, Yellow Pages, your civil practice attorney, your local bar association lawyer referral panel (if they have one) and the Martindale-Hubbell publications.

The Martindale-Hubbell publications are available at most libraries and on the Internet. The publications do their best to list every attorney in the US by geographical area and lists the area or areas of law that attorney specializes in.

When hiring a criminal attorney on your own, try to interview several attorneys before hiring one or ask your family and friends help you. It is important to find an attorney you feel comfortable discussing all aspects of your case with. Some defense attorneys offer a no cost personal interview consultation. One thing to remember when hiring an attorney: make sure you hire an attorney who specializes in your area of criminal law.

Most attorneys will require an up-front retainer fee which can be a significant amount depending on the type of criminal case you have.

Some attorneys charge a set fee for handling a specific type of case. But it is more common for an attorney to charge by the hour. Some attorneys who charge by the hour will set a cap fee for the case. That means a sum will be agreed on that is the highest amount the defendant has to pay. If the hourly costs reach this set amount, the lawyer will finish representing the defendant through to the completion of the case without charging any more money.

Although contingency fees, which are where an attorney only gets paid if he or she wins the case, are common with certain types of civil cases, they are not used with criminal cases. Contingency fees are considered unethical and are not permitted in criminal cases.

In addition to knowing what fees an attorney will be charging, a defendant also needs to know what services those fees cover and do not cover. Fees such as the cost of expert witnesses are normally not included in the normal fees of an attorney.

About The Author
D Ruplinger is a featured writer for http://defenseattorneyspro.com. For more information about defense attorneys and criminal defense attorney referral services visit http://defenseattorneyspro.com.

Criminal & DWI Defense in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens NY 2

2007-05-05T10:39:00.000+08:00

by Jason Steinberger

Jason A. Steinberger has dedicated himself solely to defending individuals charged with crimes. Over this period, he has earned the respect of fellow colleagues, prosecutors, and Judges throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk areas of the New York State and Federal courts. Mr. Jason A. Steinberger has dedicated himself solely to defending individuals and businesses charged with crimes. Mr. Jason A. Steinberger has successfully litigated and negotiated hundreds of criminal cases during his career. He has had many a proud achievements, but none are as important as the personal satisfaction he receives from working hard and achieving wonderful results for his clients.

We understand that if you have been charged with a crime, then the lawyer you choose will be the most important decision you will ever make. That decision decides whether you will spend the rest of your life in the jail or outside the jail. Mr. Steinberger established his firm years ago with only one purpose - to be completely and exclusively dedicated to defending individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses and to provide them with the best possible defense.

Another very important aspect in Mr. Steinberger's success is the quality relationships he maintains with his clients. Mr. Steinberger always treats his clients with integrity and respect for their needs, goals, and objectives. He focuses on aggressive, intelligent representation and pledges to listen and communicate with the clients.

DWI stands for, 'driving while intoxicated' and it is unlawful for anyone who has a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more, to drive a motor vehicle. To be convicted of a DWI in New York, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was driving or possessed actual physical control of the vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol and they must also prove that the arresting officer had legal, reasonable suspicion for stopping the vehicle in the first place.

A DWI conviction can have a far reaching effect on your life. Therefore, it makes sense that you know at least the fundamentals of DWI laws. In case of a DWI arrest, you should get in touch with a good DWI lawyer to protect you. A DWI attorney will be able to prepare a strong DWI defense to ensure that all your legal rights are not compromised. They can also help reduce the charges against you.

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk areas of the New York State, it is very important that you contact an experienced DWI lawyer like Jason A. Steinberger immediately, who is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney can help you identify important pretrial issues and dramatically improve your chances during the case.

At Law Offices of Jason A. Steinberger, LLC, we also utilize the state-of-the-art technology and cost effective methods to provide services in a timely, client-oriented environment.

About the Author
Author is the former New York State Criminal & DWI Prosecutor, and former Adjunct Law Professor at Hofstra University Law School. You can find more information at http://www.jasonsteinberger.com.

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

2007-04-22T09:05:00.000+08:00

"Over 30 years of combined experience"

The law firm of Jack Carroll and Don Becker are are legally aggressive, focused on results, and will fight for their clients who are accused of a crime. This is why you should ask our Houston Criminal Defense Attorney about their free consultation.

The law firm of Jack Carroll and Don Becker are lawyers with over 30 years of combined experience. This has enabled them to become very knowledgeable and completely understand the criminal laws in Houston, Texas. They value your needs and provides professional and personal legal representation.

Jack Carroll and Don Becker take a "no nonsense" approach, and will stand up for you.The goal of our Houton Criminal Lawyer Firm is: "Provide the finest legal representation possible by putting my years of knowledge and experience to work for our clients."The law firm Jack Carroll and Don Becker has a strategic approach that is evident when they: Analyze your cases potential outcomes; Guide your decision by evaluating the consequences of every outcome of your trial, Help to prepare you in dealing with important decision that need to be made; and Will never divulge your information to anyone.

Let a lawyer at the law firm of Jack Carroll and Don Becker put their resources and experience to work for you. Contact a Houston criminal defense attorney at 713-228-4607 for a free consultation

Ronald Chapman - Criminal Defense Lawyer

2007-04-22T08:55:00.000+08:00

For the past 17 years, I have been a criminal defense lawyer based in Palm Beach County Florida. During that time, I have been the trial lawyer for clients throughout south Florida who have been charged with committing such crimes as murder, robbery, rape, burglary, DUI, and domestic battery. (Please see my list of Practice Areas.) During the past 17 years, I have taken pride in always providing my clients with a consistent, high-quality, aggressive defense. As your attorney, I will do the following:

Thoroughly investigate the prosecutor's case against you.
Speak with any witnesses that you may have.
Present motions that need to be heard by the judge.
Investigate your defenses.

Represent you at your trial.I have discovered, however, that some of my clients prefer to resolve their cases without a trial. If that is your preference, I will work to achieve the best possible result for you. Also, I will keep you informed of the status of your case as it progresses to assure you understand what is occurring. Because I am a sole practitioner, you will always be able to deal directly with me; I will treat you as a person and not just another case file. In addition, the fact that I am a sole practitioner means that I have lower overhead which, in turn, translates into a lower fee for you. Payment plans are available, and credit cards are accepted. Appointments are available on evenings and weekends so that you do not have to miss work in order to meet with me. Our first meeting is free, so please call now to discuss your case. I look forward to speaking with you soon.