| Why is it so important to call
a lawyer right away? |
| In some cases, a good lawyer will present
your side of the case to the police or the prosecutor, even
before a charge is filed. In other cases, it is best to remain
silent. In either event, you will not know what your options
are unless you talk to a lawyer right away. |
| |
| I've never had to appear in
court before. How will I know what to do? |
| Whether it is the arraignment, hearings on
pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, a trial to a judge or
a jury, or an appeal, we will be there to give you every
possible advantage the law affords. |
| |
| If I hire a lawyer, will it
look like I'm guilty? |
| Failure to get good legal advice from the
start is a far more dangerous option. If you were very
ill, you would seek medical advice early to keep from getting
worse. The same applies for legal advice. |
| |
| If I assert my Miranda rights
(insist on having legal counsel during police interviews), does
it make me appear guilty? |
| The same advice given in the first question
above applies here, too. You cannot be expected to know all
your legal rights. Even attorneys who find themselves in
a difficult situation hire other attorneys to represent them. |
| |
| Will it be confidential? |
| A lawyer has a duty to maintain the confidences
and secrets of a client, and may reveal them if, and only
if, the client consents. |
| |
| "But I'm only charged with
a misdemeanor, so why do I need a lawyer!" |
| Every case is important! Even a misdemeanor
conviction can potentially have a devastating impact
on your employment, your driving privileges or other important
areas of your life. Every case deserves a vigorous defense. |
| |
| Can we make a plea bargain?
"I just want to get this over with!" |
| Not every case is destined for a jury
trial. In some cases, it makes sense to negotiate a settlement
- a plea bargain - with the state or federal government.
However, in order to be sure you can get the best deal
in a plea bargain, you need a law firm that has the ability
and the reputation to try your case before a jury. You need
a law firm that prosecutors and judges take seriously. |
| |
| What does Ballot Measure 11
mean? |
| Ballot Measure 11 crimes carry minimum
sentences and do not allow judges to take into account extenuating
circumstances that might apply in your case. Certain serious
offenses (Ballot Measure 11 offenses) carry lengthy minimum
sentences that the judge is required by law to impose. A person
convicted on a Ballot Measure 11 offense must serve the entire
term of imprisonment and is not eligible for parole. An attorney
can sometimes negotiate with prosecutors before trial to reduce
these charges to ones that are less serious. Again - you
need expert legal advice if you are charged with a Measure
11 crime. |
| |
| Should I take a lie-detector
test if the police ask me to? |
| No! These tests are not admissible
in court and only serve to intimidate you or cause
you to do or say something that could make your problem worse. |
