Initial Investigation

Oftentimes, your initial encounter with the authorities when suspected of an offense is when a police officer questions you. This could arise from a traffic stop, a citizen’s report, an officer’s belief that they witnessed the crime, or as part of a broader investigation. It is never too early to retain a lawyer during police interrogation, even when you have not been arrested yet.

A skilled attorney will advise you on what questions to answer and when you should remain silent. They can also be an intermediary between you and the police, ensuring the officer handles the process appropriately and respects your rights. 

After the police officer completes investigations, they may arrest you if they trust there is sufficient evidence to link you to an offense. When you are arrested, the officer should read you your Miranda rights. One of these rights is the right to a lawyer.

An attorney is essential to safeguarding your rights before and after an arrest. After an arrest, your matter will be sent to a prosecutor, who will assess it. If there is sufficient evidence warranting a prosecution, the prosecutor may formally charge you. By contacting a lawyer early, you may prevent these charges from being filed. The lawyer may find mistakes in your case or negotiate for the best possible outcome, depending on the case facts.

After charges are filed, you will be arraigned in court, where you will enter a plea. You are entitled to seek a lawyer’s advice before you take a plea. Based on how you plead, the judge will then decide whether you should post bail and secure your pretrial release. Navigating the bail process can be intricate, and a skilled lawyer can help.

After the arraignment, the discovery process follows. This is where the D.A. gives the defense the evidence it has collected in developing its case against you and vice versa. The evidence is intended to support the criminal charges and might include witness statements, police reports, photos, and videos. An experienced attorney can scrutinize these materials to determine inaccuracies and weaknesses that they could use in your favor. 

Should your case go to trial, the burden of demonstrating that you are guilty lies with the prosecutor. During the trial, your lawyer will develop the most compelling arguments in your favor. If the prosecution cannot demonstrate its case, the jury will find you not guilty. But if it proves its case, you will be found guilty.

Even if you are convicted, a devoted lawyer will continue working to help you receive the most favorable outcome. They can submit evidence and assert a lighter sentence, which can lead to a reduced incarceration period, court supervision, lower fines, or other lenient alternatives. If the jury found you not guilty or you received court supervision, your lawyer can help you review your eligibility to seal or expunge your record.