The legal consequences of a criminal conviction can be devastating and life-altering. Depending on the charge and your past history, your freedom, career, and reputation can be at stake. The right attorney can help you avoid these negative outcomes.
If you've been arrested or charged with a crime, it is vital to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Having an experienced NYC criminal lawyer on your side can help you get a favorable outcome in your case and can minimize the potential for long-term consequences that could have a severe impact on your life.
There are many types of criminal charges that you might face in the state of New York. These include:
Drugs: If you're a drug dealer or have been accused of importing drugs, you may face serious consequences. Defending yourself against a drug-related charge can be difficult and requires the expertise of a knowledgeable criminal lawyer in NY.
Theft: Prosecutors often charge defendants with a theft offense if they take/withhold property from its rightful owner without their permission or belief that the property belongs to them. This can range from simple shoplifting to more complex crimes like larceny, embezzlement, and extortion. A good New York criminal lawyer can help you attack the prosecutor's ability to prove intent and work with you to get a reduced sentence or avoid a conviction altogether.
Sex Crimes: If you're convicted of a sex crime, you might be required to register as a sex offender which can have a negative impact on your job and career. Moreover, if you're accused of a crime that involves children, you might face even more serious consequences.
Domestic Violence: If you've been accused of a domestic violence crime, the prosecution's response to the accusations can be harsh and overzealous. They will often try to use the accusation as a way of punishing you for some other problem in your life, such as an ongoing matrimonial/financial dispute with your accuser. A good criminal lawyer will challenge the prosecutor's allegation by carefully evaluating the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying gaps in your accuser's recollection, and presenting you with a thorough account of what happened from your perspective and that of witnesses.
Expeditious Justice: If you've been charged with a crime, the courtroom can be an intimidating place to testify. It's essential to have an experienced and aggressive criminal lawyer on your side to protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly in the courtroom.
Trafficking: If you've been accused of importing or selling drugs, you could be facing serious federal and state charges.
In any criminal case, there are a series of stages that must be navigated to reach a resolution. It's important for anyone who faces a criminal charge to be aware of these stages and how they affect their situation, so they can prepare for what is to come.
In New York City, arrests are processed by an assistant district attorney who decides whether the arresting officer's or complainant's evidence is sufficient to file charges and bring a case to court. This process typically includes an interview with the defendant and a recommendation for a bail amount, which must be posted by the defendant.
If there is not enough evidence to warrant an arrest, the case may be referred to the Division for Youth, a state agency that maintains secure and non-secure detention facilities for juveniles. It also oversees the certification and operation of these facilities.
Next, the defendant will appear before a judge at arraignment to be charged with the crimes that were arrested and to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Arraignment is an important stage of the criminal justice process, as it establishes a relationship between the defendant and his or her attorney.
At the arraignment, the defendant will be given a criminal record if one exists, and will be informed of any prior arrests. The defendant will be advised of his or her rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to consult with an attorney.
After arraignment, the defendant will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty and be sent to trial. The trial is a legal proceeding in which the prosecutor presents evidence to a jury and asks them to determine whether the defendant committed the offenses.
The prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard means that there is a "reasonable" belief by someone of ordinary intelligence, judgment, and experience that the defendant is guilty of the offenses. If the jury believes that the defendant is guilty, then he or she is convicted of those charges.
Once a defendant is convicted, the judge will issue a sentence that will be followed by probation or incarceration. Felonies can be punished by up to one year in prison, while misdemeanors can be treated as lesser crimes with less severe penalties.
Suppression Hearings: In some cases, a defense attorney will seek to suppress evidence that he or she feels was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, such as confessions made by an accused person. This can be done by filing a motion to suppress or by asking for a Huntley hearing, which is a special hearing held before a jury.
Grand Jury: A grand jury is a group of citizens who hear the prosecutor's evidence against a defendant and decides whether to issue an indictment. Defendants in felony cases have the right to be present at a grand jury hearing and request witnesses to testify on their behalf.
If you are arrested and charged with a crime, your first step should be to hire a criminal defense lawyer. These attorneys help you navigate through the legal system and make sure that you receive a fair verdict. They can also help you avoid jail and other serious penalties. A good attorney can reduce your sentence and prevent you from being convicted of a crime.
The best criminal defense attorneys know how to handle their clients' cases. They can use their years of experience to help you. Some lawyers work in private practice while others are employed by the government. This allows them to focus on a specific area of law and increases their chances of success.
It is essential to consult with several criminal defense attorneys before deciding on one. While this may seem like an expensive and time-consuming task, it will pay off in the long run. With more and more people being incarcerated, it is important to be prepared. You can use a directory to find a lawyer near you.
If you do not have enough money to hire a criminal defense lawyer, there are organizations that will provide free representation. These are called legal aid groups.
An attorney can help you decide on the best course of action, such as pleading guilty or not guilty or arguing your case in front of a judge. He or she can also help you find a treatment program to help you get over your problems.
Having an attorney doubles your chances of receiving a positive outcome in a criminal case. Whether you are charged with an offense, or your spouse has been accused of a crime, an attorney can help you get the best result possible.
Most lawyers work full-time. Attorneys in large firms typically work around forty hours a week. Many also have extra hours. However, hiring a private lawyer can give you the benefit of a dedicated lawyer who will have more time to spend on your case.
A good attorney will know the legal requirements in your specific case and will keep track of deadlines. He or she will be able to gather information about your case, such as witness interviews, expert witnesses, and other pertinent details. This will allow the attorney to build a strong case on your behalf.
A good attorney can also help you set aside the conviction. In many states, a criminal lawyer can seek to have a conviction erased. This can be done through negotiation with the prosecutor. Additionally, a criminal defense lawyer can obtain character reference letters for you. By getting a character reference letter, you can give yourself the best chance of winning your case.
A criminal defense lawyer can help you to avoid jail and fines. This will allow you to live a normal life after your trial. During your trial, a criminal defense attorney can question witnesses and provide an objective review of your case. Using his or her expertise, your lawyer can minimize your sentence and even help you get your charges dropped.
Lebedin Kofman LLP | Criminal Attorney and DWI Lawyer
26 Broadway 3rd floor, New York, NY 10004, United States
(646) 663-4430