Facing criminal charges is overwhelming, especially if it’s your first experience with the justice system. Whether you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or a serious felony, Berry Law is here to guide you through every step. With an experienced team of criminal defense attorneys across Nebraska, Berry Law is dedicated to protecting your rights, crafting strong defenses, and striving for the best possible outcomes.
What Are My Rights After an Arrest?
After an arrest, know your rights. In Nebraska, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney, and exercising those rights can never be used negatively against you. Berry Law encourages those facing criminal investigations to exercise these rights to prevent self-incrimination and avoid any misstatements or miscommunication that could adversely be used against you in a case charged against you. Typically, a prosecutor may use any statements you voluntarily make to law enforcement or other witnesses, against you in court, so it’s best to consult with an attorney before speaking to police or others about the investigation or allegations against you. Our team at Berry Law is ready to help you understand your rights.
How Serious Are the Charges Against Me?
The severity of criminal charges in Nebraska depends on the type of crime:
- Misdemeanors can still impact your life significantly, with potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can affect future employment. Certain misdemeanors could even impact your right to possess firearms, or cause you to have to register as a sex offender
- Felonies involve more severe crimes, such as assault, rape, drug trafficking, or homicide, and come with harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and long-term impacts on civil rights, like voting and firearm ownership, and even lifetime sex offender registration if convicted of certain types of felony offenses.
Berry Law’s experienced attorneys will explain the charges against you and discuss the potential penalties, helping you understand what’s at stake.
Why You Need Legal Representation Early
One of the biggest mistakes individuals make is delaying securing an experienced criminal defense attorney. From the moment of arrest or accusation, law enforcement and prosecutors are working to build their case. Nebraska law gives you the right to remain silent and seek an attorney’s advice before speaking with the police. This early intervention may prevent misunderstandings or statements that might later be used against you.
Common Criminal Defense Areas
- Drug Crimes: Nebraska enforces strict penalties for drug offenses, from possession to trafficking. Defense attorneys work to analyze how evidence was obtained and seek options such as diversion programs for eligible clients.
- DUI Defense: DUI charges carry serious consequences, including mandatory fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Nebraska law allows police to set up sobriety checkpoints; however, DUI defense attorneys may challenge field sobriety tests, questioning procedures or the accuracy of testing devices.
- Sex Crimes: Charges like sexual assault, child pornography, and online solicitation can bring devastating personal and legal consequences. A thorough investigation into the evidence and challenging inconsistencies is critical in defending these cases effectively.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence against someone you have or have had an intimate relationship with could including trespassing, threats or physical assault. A domestic violence conviction could result in jail or prison time and impose a prohibition on the right to possess firearms.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent?
Innocence alone doesn’t guarantee an acquittal. Make no mistake about it—Innocent people can be accused, charged and even convicted of crimes they did not commit. This has and does occur in our country. Even if you are innocent, an experienced trial criminal defense attorney is critical—potentially even more critical than if you are guilty. Our attorneys at Berry Law investigate every detail, challenge the evidence, and work hard to try and prevent wrongful convictions. We believe that everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense, regardless of the circumstances.
What Kind of Strategy Will a Criminal Defense Attorney in Nebraska Use?
The right defense strategy depends on your specific case. At Berry Law, our Nebraska criminal defense team assesses the evidence, challenges unlawful search and seizure, and questions the reliability of witnesses. Specific strategy depends on the facts, circumstances and evidence unique to your case. Some strategies include:
- Suppressing Evidence: If evidence was gathered without proper procedure, we can seek to have it excluded from the trial.
- Hiring Expert Witnesses: Expert witnesses can be an invaluable part of a defense in terms of case preparation, understanding complex, case-specific issues, presenting the evidence to a jury, and mitigation.
- Filing Evidentiary Pretrial Motions: Often times the type of evidence introduced or precluded at trial can be a game-changer. Litigating necessary pretrial motions is critical.
- Negotiating Pleas: When appropriate, we may negotiate a plea deal to reduce charges and penalties.
How Do We Build a Defense for Drug Charges or DUIs?
Berry Law attorneys have significant experience defending clients against drug charges and DUIs. For drug crimes, our approach often focuses on the legality of the search and seizure, or issues related to possession or constructive possession. In DUI cases, we may challenge the accuracy of sobriety tests or question whether police followed legal procedures during checkpoints. Our goal is always to secure the best outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction?
A criminal conviction in Nebraska can have lifelong repercussions. Beyond fines or jail time, it can impact employment, housing, and civil rights. Serious charges, like sex crimes, may require lifetime registration on the sex offender registry, while felony and domestic violence convictions can restrict firearm ownership and voting rights. Berry Law’s attorneys work to try minimizing these impacts by exploring options such as plea negotiations, deferred judgment or proceeding all the way to try and fight the charges entirely, with the goal of trying to secure an acquittal, or not guilty verdict.
How Do I Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney in Nebraska?
Finding the right attorney is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. Berry Law is a trusted name in criminal defense in Nebraska, with attorneys experienced in handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. We have won over 50 jury trials across 20 different counties in the State of Nebraska. Our team is committed to communication, transparency, and aggressive defense. Many of our attorneys are veterans, bringing a warrior ethos to every case and approaching each client with respect, discretion, and dedication.
Ready to Protect Your Rights? Contact Berry Law
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, don’t face this challenge alone. Berry Law’s team is here to guide you through every step, answer your questions, and help defend your future. Contact us today to start building your defense with the experienced, dedicated attorneys who have been protecting Nebraska’s citizens for over 50 years.
