Few things can cause as much anxiety as being called to appear in court to answer criminal charges. Even minor allegations can result in life-changing consequences after a conviction, which may lead to fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.
Fortunately, you are entitled to representation and have Constitutional rights that allow you to defend yourself. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what those rights are and how to best protect yourself. Whether your goal is a quick resolution like a plea deal or you are willing to fight the charges at trial, you can improve your chance of a favorable outcome by consulting with a dedicated defense attorney.
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The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal defense attorney works to protect the rights of defendants from the day they are hired. This includes making appearances on the client’s behalf in court, filing motions to benefit the client, and working to preserve your constitutional rights while in police custody.
Most people see criminal defense attorneys in action during trials, but the work on a case begins months prior. As soon as an attorney is hired to work on a case, they may visit a client who is still in police custody. This is done to inform the client of their rights and to help the client navigate or prevent police questioning.
The preliminary hearings in a criminal case can have an immense impact on a defendant’s pre-trial lifestyle and the progress of the case. The first hearing, known as an arraignment, typically determines important conditions for a defendant’s immediate future, including the amount of bail in their case and any pre-trial release conditions. A criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights during every stage of the process.
Types of Cases Handled by Criminal Defense Lawyers
Criminal offenses in Nebraska are separated into two main categories. The lesser of these two are misdemeanor offenses. Common examples include driving under the influence, simple assaults, and minor theft charges. These cases are typically heard in Nebraska’s county courts and can be punishable by no more than a year in jail and the payment of a fine.
The more serious criminal offenses are known as felonies. These include charges like homicide and rape, but can also include grander instances of misdemeanor offenses like assault or theft. For example, an assault that results in serious bodily injury is a felony-level offense, as are thefts of property in excess of $500. The state’s district courts have jurisdiction to hear all felony-level cases. A conviction for such a crime can result in a sentence to a state prison and, in some cases, may require a mandatory minimum sentence.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand how to fight both misdemeanors and felonies, and help you understand the most likely consequences of a conviction.
Contact Berry Law to Fight Back
Anyone facing a criminal allegation needs to take their situation seriously and should not wait to explore their options with an attorney. Whether this is your first time in trouble with the law or you are looking to avoid being labelled as a repeat offender, the sooner you start the fight back, the more options you may have.
At Berry Law, our criminal defense lawyers can evaluate the strength of the prosecutor’s claim, identify a realistic goal for your situation, and develop a strategy designed to meet that goal. Once retained, our legal team may be able to help negotiate a fair plea deal or make legal arguments to exclude evidence from your case. Call Berry Law today to learn more about how we can help you.