Yes. A skilled defense attorney is imperative even if you plan on taking a plea bargain. A lawyer can help you decide if the plea bargain is really your best option. Additionally, your lawyer can help you determine whether or not the prosecution has enough evidence to offer you a plea bargain for a specific offense. Without a lawyer, the prosecution might assume that you are going to plead guilty and offer you an unreasonable bargain. An attorney can help you negotiate for an agreement.

Typically, the prosecution pursues charges with enough evidence to back them up. In other words, the prosecution will look for a legally sound case. If a case contains some kind of inherent flaw, it probably isn’t worth pursuing. Then, prosecuting attorneys decide whether or not there is enough evidence to pursue a conviction. If there isn’t, the case will probably be dropped, or another charge will be considered. “Enough” evidence is determined by the quantity of the evidence held against you and the quality. For example, if the prosecuting attorney has a large quantity of questionable evidence, they probably still won’t pursue that particular case because of its potential holes. You can only be prosecuted once per alleged offense, so prosecutors have to be careful when deciding when to act.

A grand jury is a collection of individuals used to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to take a case to trial. For example: If you were arrested for a drug crime, a grand jury might be used to figure out whether or not the prosecution has a legitimate case against you. The grand jury will base its determination on witness testimony, documents, and other available evidence. At the end of the proceedings, the jury will decide whether or not the case will actually go to trial. If there is not enough evidence to conduct a trial, your case will not move forward. Grand juries are typically reserved for high-level felonies and federal crimes.

You cannot be arrested or charged with a crime for exercising your right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment allows you to remain silent and avoid giving testimony against yourself. If a police officer tries to intimidate you into waiving your rights, do not believe them and insist on speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible. Judges cannot set a high bail for not cooperating with law enforcement, but some officers try to make you think that you are required to give a statement. In reality, officers may try to scare you into making a statement so that it will be easier to obtain a conviction later.

No. Law enforcement officers are not legally required to “read your rights” at the time of your arrest. The Miranda warning is only required if law enforcement plans on using your statements against you in court. Additionally, the warning is only required if you are in police custody. If the police want to ask you questions that might elicit incriminating answers, they will probably read the Miranda warning just to be safe. Consult a defense attorney before speaking with law enforcement so you can be safe.

Property and privacy rights are some of the most important for American citizens. Police are only allowed to search your vehicle or home if they have a warrant if they have probable cause, or if you give explicit consent for them to do so. You are never required to consent a police search of your property, and you should never feel pressured to do so. If you believe that you were the victim of unlawful search and seizure, contact The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman immediately to safeguard your rights.

Choosing a criminal defense attorney can be a difficult task. The following are some good questions to ask a potential criminal defense lawyer for your case:

• How long have you been practicing law?
• What is your experience with cases like mine?
• What are your fees and how do you charge?
• What are the potential consequences of my case?
• What are my chances of winning at trial?
• What could happen if I am found guilty?
• Can I get the charges against me dropped?
• Can you help me understand the evidence against me?
• Do you have any experience with witnesses in my case?
• If I am found guilty, what kind of sentence am I looking at?
• What are the chances I will have to go to trial?
• If I do go to trial, what can I expect?
• What are my rights during the criminal justice process?

A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to protect their client’s constitutional rights and make sure they are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. The attorney investigates the case against their client, negotiates with prosecutors, and represents their clients in court. Criminal defense lawyers can help reduce the number of consequences for your criminal case.

You can ask family or friends for recommendations, look up attorneys in your area online, or contact your local bar association. Look for reviews and testimonials of each lawyer as well to help you make the best decision.