A large majority of criminal defendants will plead guilty before they ever reach a trial. Not every single defendant who pleads guilty actually committed the crime with which they are charged. There are many reasons why someone who is innocent feels compelled to take a plea deal.
Many people are often unaware of what happens in the early stages of a criminal case. Instead, they are focused on the trial itself. However, the initial appearances may set the groundwork for a successful defense of the charges or make it clear to the prosecutor that they have their own risk in taking a case forward to the jury.
Any criminal defense attorney will advise their clients that it is never a good idea to speak to police without the presence of your lawyer. When you talk to the police on your own, bad things can and will happen. It is very rare that you can clear your name without getting yourself into further trouble.
When defendants are charged with a crime, remaining at home while they await trial is not always a given. Defendants must be released pending trial, and in some cases, judges may order that they be held in custody while they are awaiting trial. The bail hearing is one of the most important moments in the early stages of the criminal justice process.
After the arraignment and before the trial, defendants can go through a preliminary hearing. It is optional, but it is something that you should take advantage of because the hearing can help you now and in the future.
Even though prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction, they have a number of advantages over criminal defendants. While the law demands that you are innocent until proven guilty, prosecutors have a number of powerful tools that they can use to further their chances of winning a conviction, making it even more important for you to have a tough and experienced criminal defense attorney.
Any interaction with a law enforcement officer can be a terrifying event. Especially in today’s heated political climate, interactions can escalate quickly, and verbal or physical violence can ensue. It is important to know what to say and do to stay safe in these interactions. It is also important to understand your constitutional rights. If you do not understand and enforce these rights, the police could ignore them. They are allowed to ask you to waive your rights, to use various tactics to convince you to talk about the allegations, or even outright lie to you. By knowing what your rights are and how to enforce them safely, you can ensure that you stay safe and protect your constitutional rights after any arrest. Make sure you hire a criminal defense attorney right away if you’ve been arrested for any type of criminal charges.