If you were arrested on any charge, contact a Tavares criminal defense lawyer immediately. The sooner a legal professional takes on your case, the better the results. Any criminal conviction could have long-lasting consequences, including a criminal record that shows up on background checks. You could miss out on opportunities for jobs, housing, education, travel, and some licenses if you have a criminal record.
A criminal defender’s job is to achieve the best results for the accused under the circumstances. Whatever the charges, a seasoned attorney could work to protect your rights and future.
What Happens After an Arrest?
When the police arrest someone they suspect committed a crime, they try to get them to answer questions, proving they were not involved. People often believe if they tell their story to the police and explain themselves, law enforcement will realize they have the wrong person and let them go.
The reality is much different. The Miranda warning, “anything you say may be used against you,” is true. Police could twist anything an accused person says to make it sound like an admission. A person arrested or under investigation for a crime should not answer any questions and call a legal representative.
Once a criminal defense lawyer from Tavares is present, they could guide any discussions between an individual and law enforcement. They often advise an accused person not to cooperate with the police. Everyone must be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and there is no legal obligation to answer questions.
Developing a Defense Strategy for a Criminal Case
It could be possible to prevent a prosecutor from filing formal charges in many criminal matters. If a legal representative is present from the beginning of a case, they could challenge the evidence a prosecutor has. If a defense attorney could show the evidence is weak, a prosecutor likely will not file a charge.
In many cases, prosecutors are open to creative solutions focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. For example, an individual could agree to admit to a lesser offense, pay a fine, or do community service. A program for people with drug, alcohol, or mental health problems might be a more effective way of addressing the issue that led to an alleged crime.
Even when evidence indicates an accused person was involved in a crime, legal counsel could convince a prosecutor that going to trial is not the best strategy. A practiced criminal defense attorney in Tavares could present the accused individual in the best possible light and convince a prosecutor that another outcome better serves justice. In some cases, a plea bargain or agreement to provide information in return for a lesser sentence could be possible.
Protecting a Defendant’s Rights
Although the Constitution provides many protections to criminal defendants, sadly, police officers often engage in improper tactics to identify and arrest suspected criminals. One of the critical jobs of a defense attorney is to protect an accused person’s rights.
A legal representative could examine whether the police conducted their investigation appropriately. If an arrest involved a traffic stop, they would question whether the police had reasonable cause to make a stop. If it involved a search warrant, an attorney would scrutinize it to ensure it was correct. A legal advocate might investigate whether the police entrapped an individual.
If a criminal defense lawyer finds evidence that police or prosecutors in Tavares violated a person’s rights, they could try to have the charges dismissed. Even if a prosecutor proceeds with charges, legal counsel could move to suppress evidence the police found illegally.
Trust a Tavares Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, do not try to handle it by yourself. The consequences of having a criminal record are harsh and permanent. You need a legal representative to protect your rights. Reach out to a Tavares criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are arrested. With their help, you could achieve a favorable outcome.
