Criminal defense attorney are usually defending people with felony or misdemeanor charges. A misdemeanor normally refers to criminal behavior that is punishable up to one year in jail. Felonies, on the other hand, are offenses that are punishable by more than a year in jail. There are two types of criminal defense attorneys – those who represent the accused and those who defend the individuals charged with misdemeanors or felonies. It is the latter who usually handles felony cases.
The state prosecutor will often try to convince the judge to have a harsher sentence for their client in exchange for a guilty plea. In exchange, the prosecution may reduce various charges, avoid trial, offer a plea bargain, or agree not to seek trial. This is a controversial practice that critics decry as “manufactured justice.” However, a criminal defense attorney may be able to help a client achieve a more favorable plea bargain.
If you have been accused of a crime, one of your first priorities should be hiring an attorney who has experience working with prosecutors. It is important to note, however, that there are different types of attorneys. Some are prosecutors, some are defense attorneys, and others are court-appointed attorneys who handle only criminal cases. Once you have narrowed your search to a few attorneys who have experience working with the kind of prosecutor that you want on your case, it is time to interview each one.
It is important to remember that all criminal defense attorneys are not created equal. Each prosecutor represents a specific type of crime. In addition to having different skills and resources, they also have different philosophies and methods for handling court cases. For instance, court-appointed attorneys are appointed by the court and are limited to handling cases within the jurisdiction of the court. A prosecutor, on the other hand, is someone who practices law outside of the court system and is considered an expert in his or her particular field of practice.
As you consider which criminal defense attorney you are going to hire, you should also take a close look at their track record. It is essential to understand what the majority of their wins/defenses have been. You should also ask about their track record with regard to criminal defense lawyers, who have a reputation for obtaining guilty pleas or going against the wishes of the prosecuting attorney. This can have a significant impact on your final decision, as it can make deciding which attorney to hire even more difficult. An experienced lawyer will know how to strategically build a strong defense around a particular charge while an inexperienced attorney may resort to using tactics that are not necessarily in their best interest.
It is not uncommon for a criminal defense attorney to be questioned regarding probable cause, the legality of the arrest, evidence, and the constitutionality of the State of Florida. If these questions are not understood, then a defendant may risk losing essential rights due to a lack of understanding of what they legally have access to. In some circumstances, an officer may incorrectly apply a traffic stop, making an arrest without probable cause to do so. A criminal defense attorney should know how to inquire about the legality of the officer’s conduct. Proving that a crime was actually committed by a police officer requires admissible and supportive evidence such as blood, urine, or breath test results, proving innocence of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt, and proving that the arresting officer abused his or her power. This evidence can be presented in a criminal court trial if the defendant is being charged with possessing a controlled substance, driving under the influence, possessing criminal records, or violating a jail term.
Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.| Criminal Attorney and DWI Lawyer
320 Carleton Ave Suite 4200,
Central Islip, NY 11722
(631) 259-6060