Criminal Defense FAQ
Insight from Atlanta’s Most Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyers
Having represented countless clients facing criminal allegations throughout the years, we know that while many clients are unique, many of them are unfamiliar with their rights, the criminal court process, and how legal representation can help them protect their future. We are a firm that strives to educate our clients and guide them through their legal journeys step by step. We are considered experts in the area of criminal law and know that being well-informed is important to your peace of mind.
Our Atlanta criminal defense lawyers have taken the time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from clients. If you have further queries, call (888) 838-4858 today!
Should You Speak with the Police When Detained?
Whenever you are detained or arrested, you should consider using your Constitutional rights to remain silent until you are given a chance to speak with a criminal defense attorney. Police officers will use a variety of deceptive tactics to try to get you into confessing to a crime, even if you didn’t commit any crime at all. The best way to avoid saying the wrong thing is to say nothing at all.
What Should You Do Once You’re Under Arrest?
Just as you should when detained, stay silent when arrested. At this point, the police officers arresting you should know that you intend to use your right to remain silent. Remember: Being arrested is not the same as being charged, so there is still a chance you could be freed from police custody later without any further trouble. Also, once you are under arrest, never resist arrest. You only endanger yourself and commit a crime when you resist arrest.
Do All Criminal Cases Go to Trial?
As unexpected as it might be, most criminal defense cases do not reach the trial phase. Instead, they can be ended early through a plea deal, or because the charges filed are dismissed. Rely on our legal team from Ross & Pines, LLC to determine if you should be thinking of using a plea deal or going to trial. We carefully analyze the evidence gathered against you to make that call. However, we always approach each case we accept as if it will eventually go to trial because it is better to be prepared without the need than the other way around.
How Likely Are You to Go to Jail?
Going to jail temporarily after being arrested and charged with a crime is likely because people are typically kept in a local jail cell while their charges are being processed. The odds of going to prison, though, are a different story. If convicted of a misdemeanor, you can be sentenced to up to one year in jail. If convicted of a felony, you can be sentenced for one or more years in prison. Our team is dedicated to doing all we can to preserve your freedoms and keep you out of prison. Georgia offers a number of alternative systems to penalized convicted offenders without sending them to prison. For example, if you are convicted of a drug-related crime, we may be able to convince the judge to sentence you to monitored rehabilitation and community service instead of any jail or prison time.
Is It Worth Fighting a DUI Charge?
Yes! Any criminal charge filed against you is worth fighting, including first-time driving under the influence (DUI) charges. The penalties for a DUI conviction can be devastating, like the removal of your driving privileges and steep fees paid to the state. With our years of criminal defense experience, we can formulate a defense strategy to protect you from the worst of these penalties, if not all of them. We are also available to represent and guide you during a hearing before the Department of Driver Services, which can suspend your license even if you are not convicted of a DUI at all.
Should You Hire a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney acts as your guide and protector when you are charged with a serious crime. Just how you would not go into the jungle without a wilderness and survival expert, you would not go into criminal defense proceedings without a defense lawyer. Think about all there is to lose if you get convicted: your freedom, finances, and reputation. Why risk all that by trying to go into your case alone? Make the right choice and speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can after being arrested.
Ask More Questions during a Free Consultation with an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney!
By providing these questions and answers, we hope to provide you with some basic information. However, since everyone’s case is different, we strongly encourage you to find answers that specifically relate to your situation by requesting a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
Allow our attorneys to analyze your case, inform you about your rights, and discuss the ways in which we can help. Do not wait until it is too late. Contact Ross & Pines, LLC today.
