Albany Federal Criminal Lawyers
A conviction on a federal charge could result in significant penalties such as fines or prison time. It could also result in damage to your reputation or bring shame to your family. With so much on the line, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney. He or she may be able to get a case dropped, negotiate a plea deal or work to obtain an acquittal in your case.
Why Would a Criminal Case Be Dropped?
Criminal cases are generally dropped because there is a lack of evidence to convict a person. For instance, a witness may decide that he or she no longer wishes to cooperate with the prosecution. It is also possible that a key piece of evidence will be ruled inadmissible by a judge at some point before a trial begins. Sometimes, the evidence will be ruled inadmissible during a trial, which may lead to some or all charges being dropped.
Why Would a Prosecutor Negotiate a Plea Agreement?
The prosecutor in a case would negotiate a plea deal for a variety of reasons that all aim to serve the best interest of the public. For instance, the prosecution may not believe that it has enough evidence to convict you on a charge at trial. Therefore, you may get a plea deal that reduces some or all of the charges in exchange for a guilty plea.
You benefit because the penalties are much less than what they would be if a trial happened and the jury returned a guilty verdict. The prosecution is happy because it gets to claim a conviction in the case. Saving resources and reducing the backlog that a court may face are other reasons why plea deals are offered. In some cases, a judge may prefer a plea to a trial.
Why Would a Jury Acquit You?
A jury’s job is decide whether or not you are guilty of a crime based on the evidence that it has seen. However, a judge could provide instructions to a jury to disregard certain pieces of evidence when making its decision. Furthermore, jurors are only human, which means that they may be moved to vote guilty or not guilty based on factors other than the evidence.
For instance, they could be sympathetic to your plight as a single mother or as someone who didn’t have access to proper mental or physical health care. An attorney will take steps to put jurors in place who are most likely to vote in your favor. They may also be able to win key rulings from a judge that may play a role in what jurors consider when making the choice to convict or acquit.
The Government Will Have Attorneys Working on Their Side
You can feel confident that the government is going to have as many attorneys as necessary working on your case. These people have likely spent years working as criminal attorneys and understand what it takes to win. Therefore, you should have an attorney on your side who will work to make sure that the government doesn’t do anything illegal before, during or after a trial.
It is important to note that you have the right to an attorney. If you can’t pay for an attorney, one will be provided to serve as your advocate. While the law does give you the right to act as your own attorney, this may not be the best decision. Typically, a judge will order that a legal professional act as an adviser as the case unfolds. This reduces the odds that mistakes are made that both harm your chances of getting a fair trial and provide opportunities for lengthy and expensive appeals.
An Attorney Can Help Even After a Conviction
Just because you have been convicted of a crime doesn’t mean that your case is over. There is still a chance of having a jury’s decision overturned on appeal. For example, your attorney may be able to show that evidence was tainted or was not collected properly. It is also possible that a witness will either recant his or her testimony or otherwise acknowledge that part of it was incorrect.
If it can be shown that forensic evidence or DNA evidence has come to light since your conviction, that may also result in a jury’s guilty verdict being overturned. In the event that this occurs, the charge may remain on your criminal record. The next step would be for your legal team to ask that the charge be expunged or sealed.
The moment that you are charged with a crime or believe that you will be charged, contact a criminal attorney. Doing so may make it easier to preserve your rights and make sure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process. It can also make it easier to clear your name by having the case dismissed or being acquitted by a jury.
Albany Criminal Lawyers
No one wants to think about the possibility of facing a legal problem. The idea of being arrested, being accused of a crime, or even serving jail time can be incredibly overwhelming and scary. This is just one of the reasons that it’s vital to hire an a criminal attorney right away. If you are facing a legal problem, don’t hesitate to get the help that you need. An attorney can make an incredible difference in your case. Here’s how.
Your Albany criminal lawyer understands the legal process
In 2015, U.S. law officials made nearly 11,000,000 arrests. With such large arrest numbers, it’s vital that you find someone to represent you so that your case isn’t rushed or that you aren’t given a fair trial. Your attorney has a thorough understanding of the law and how the legal process works. They will be able to assist you throughout the entire process. Whether you were in the wrong place at the right time and you need someone to represent you in court or you’re about to be interrogated by the police and you want someone by your side, an attorney is a valuable asset.
Your Albany Criminal Lawyer can guide you through the paperwork
Most legal experiences involve paperwork. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you may need to make a statement or several statements to the police. You may need to fill out forms. You may need to file certain paperwork. Your attorney can help you with all of this. Being arrested is a frustrating experience and can feel overwhelming, so it’s easy to feel discouraged. Your attorney wants to help you succeed, which is why they will be happy to assist you with this portion of the proceedings. Whether you have questions about the way something is phrased or you believe a form is incorrect, never sign anything without an attorney present. Your lawyer can let you know whether something needs to be changed, adjusted, or amended in order to best help your case.
Your Albany criminal lawyer can represent you in court
Sometimes criminal charges are dropped and you will not need to appear in court. Other times, however, you may need to appear before a judge or even a jury. Never feel like you have to do this alone. Your attorney can help represent you in court. He will build a case that defends your plea and will assist you throughout the entire courtroom process. If you have never been in a courtroom before, you might feel a bit nervous, but your attorney will help you prepare for the hearing. They will coach you on how to dress, what to say, and what to avoid saying.
Sometimes, adults who have never faced criminal charges before aren’t sure what to expect when they go to court. Because of this, they make mistakes that can result in higher sentences. Don’t let this happen to you. Speak with an attorney before you even enter a courtroom to ensure you have the best chances at a successful hearing. Your attorney wants what’s best for you and will help intervene on your behalf when it comes to both the prosecutor and the judge.
Your Albany Criminal Lawyer can advise you
Perhaps the most important reason to hire a criminal defense attorney is that they will be able to advise you as to your options. Many adults who are arrested, especially if it’s a first arrest, aren’t sure what their rights or obligations are. Let your attorney guide you. They will be able to help you:
- Determine what you are being accused of
- Understand the legal ramifications of the charges
- Decide how to plea
- Communicate with law officials
- Prepare for court
- Speak in court
- Understand the legal process
- Explain legal jargon
You deserve to have a fair chance when it comes to court. Perhaps you made a mistake and are now facing legal charges. Maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. No matter what happened, your attorney can help guide you as you face the legal system.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. As soon as you know there is a problem, reach out and get an attorney. They will be able to help you with everything from your initial arrest to speaking with the police to talking in court. If possible, make sure you provide as much documentation about your case as you can. This will help your attorney prepare your case and to ensure you have the best possible outcome.
Albany criminal lawyers are ready to help you with your case. Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation and to find out how you can get the help you need and the representation you want. You deserve to be heard, and the right lawyer will help to make sure you’re given a fair chance.