Sussex Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being accused of a crime is a stressful and confusing time for anyone. Regardless of whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, a conviction could have a serious impact on your future. Besides the fines and jail time, having a criminal record could affect potential job opportunities or the choice of where to live.
Thankfully, an accusation is not the same as a conviction, and you have rights before and during the process. A Sussex criminal defense lawyer could help protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly. If you are facing allegations of wrongdoing, talk to a devoted defense attorney about your situation.
Things to Remember After Being Arrested or Under Investigation
Many of the legal rights for everyone involved in the criminal justice system are related to police procedures. There are rules that law enforcement must follow, and anyone who is under investigation or even being questioned by the police should keep these in mind.
For starters, there is no obligation to say anything to the police. What may begin as a casual conversation could accidentally reveal something that the police could use as part of their investigation. So, it is vital to retain legal representation before speaking to anyone associated with law enforcement.
Similarly, there are several restrictions on how and when the police can conduct a search of someone’s home or person. They need a good reason to stop someone and may even require a warrant from the court for more extensive investigations.
If the prosecutor formally files charges in court, the accused has a fundamental right to challenge them. It is the prosecution’s burden to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a very high standard. If the judge or jury believes there is another logical explanation that fits the evidence, then the prosecutor has not met their obligation.
Although it is possible to fight the charges alone, it is not recommended. The criminal justice system in Sussex is incredibly complex, and a missed deadline or small error could complicate the issue, so having an attorney is necessary to arrive at a fair and just outcome.
What Defenses Could Be Available?
Skilled legal representation in Sussex could review the facts and circumstances of the case to develop a defensive strategy. There are several possible defenses against the charges that could be available. For example, if the police failed to follow the proper procedures, like obtaining a warrant, any evidence they obtained could be excluded from the case.
Unfortunately, this is not automatic, and it needs an official motion to the court, which is where an attorney could help. If the case goes as far as a trial, there are still potential defenses, depending on the facts, such as:
- Mistaken identity, where the defendant is incorrectly identified as the one who committed the crime
- Providing an alibi that places the defendant in a different place when the crime was committed
- Unreliable witness testimony
- Self-defense or the defense of others
A devoted lawyer knows how to effectively present evidence against the prosecutor’s side to cast doubt in the minds of the jury.
If You Are Facing Criminal Allegations in Sussex, Our Lawyers Can Defend You
Just being accused or questioned by the police is incredibly stressful, and you may be worried about your future. Before saying anything to law enforcement, come and talk to a Sussex criminal defense lawyer about your situation.
An attorney could help fight back against the charges and work towards a reasonable solution. For a free evaluation of your case, call Price Benowitz to set up a meeting.