Thousands of people are arrested each year. Many of those arrested are not gangsters, drug dealers or any of the criminal types that often form the mainstay of crime novels and television series. Many ordinary people with careers also fall foul of the law. They drive whilst under the influence, they fail to pay child maintenance or they file erroneous tax returns. When arrested, however, the first priority is to hire the services of a criminal defense attorney in Sioux City Iowa.
Every accused have basic rights that are ensconced in the constitution. When arrested, many accused feel intimidated and scared. In many cases they feel that they should defend themselves or at least explain things. Experts agree that the best course of action is to exercise the right to remain silent and to refrain from making any type of statement. Accused should only make a statement once they have been advised by a lawyer.
One of the first priorities of the lawyer will be to make bail arrangements. Bail allows the accused to go free until the case is heard by a court of law. Sometimes bail can be arranged with the arresting authorities directly but in some cases the accused will have to appear in front of a judge. A bail amount will be set and this must be paid in cash.
Bail is only granted if the judge is convinced that the accused will not interfere with the ongoing investigation. The accused may also not make contact with witnesses or anyone else involved in the case. If he does he can be arrested again and there may even be additional charges against him. The lawyer will explain these conditions to his client.
Most defense lawyers can expedite a case by attempting to achieve a plea bargain. In such cases the lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor. An agreement in terms of which the accused will plead guilty to certain charges in exchange for a lesser sentence is made. This agreement is presented to the judge in chambers. If the judge agrees the plea bargain is made an order of court.
Lying to a lawyer is one of the biggest mistakes am accused can possibly make. The relationship between the lawyer and his client is a confidential one. It is best to confide in the lawyer, even if the relevant facts are embarrassing or incriminating. Only when he is fully informed will a lawyer be able to determine the best course of action.
Legal fees can be extremely high, especially if the case goes to court. It is important to discuss the matter of fees with the lawyer from the word go. It is also advisable to consider legal insurance. This is not possible, however, if charges have already been laid. Legal insurance should be seen in the same light as medical insurance.
It is vital to obtain legal representation when facing charges or even when just being suspected of a crime. The legal system is complex and no layman can hope to defend himself in open court. A lawyer can make sure that his client is protected in terms of his rights and he can do much to make sure that the matter is finalized quickly and efficiently.
Every accused have basic rights that are ensconced in the constitution. When arrested, many accused feel intimidated and scared. In many cases they feel that they should defend themselves or at least explain things. Experts agree that the best course of action is to exercise the right to remain silent and to refrain from making any type of statement. Accused should only make a statement once they have been advised by a lawyer.
One of the first priorities of the lawyer will be to make bail arrangements. Bail allows the accused to go free until the case is heard by a court of law. Sometimes bail can be arranged with the arresting authorities directly but in some cases the accused will have to appear in front of a judge. A bail amount will be set and this must be paid in cash.
Bail is only granted if the judge is convinced that the accused will not interfere with the ongoing investigation. The accused may also not make contact with witnesses or anyone else involved in the case. If he does he can be arrested again and there may even be additional charges against him. The lawyer will explain these conditions to his client.
Most defense lawyers can expedite a case by attempting to achieve a plea bargain. In such cases the lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor. An agreement in terms of which the accused will plead guilty to certain charges in exchange for a lesser sentence is made. This agreement is presented to the judge in chambers. If the judge agrees the plea bargain is made an order of court.
Lying to a lawyer is one of the biggest mistakes am accused can possibly make. The relationship between the lawyer and his client is a confidential one. It is best to confide in the lawyer, even if the relevant facts are embarrassing or incriminating. Only when he is fully informed will a lawyer be able to determine the best course of action.
Legal fees can be extremely high, especially if the case goes to court. It is important to discuss the matter of fees with the lawyer from the word go. It is also advisable to consider legal insurance. This is not possible, however, if charges have already been laid. Legal insurance should be seen in the same light as medical insurance.
It is vital to obtain legal representation when facing charges or even when just being suspected of a crime. The legal system is complex and no layman can hope to defend himself in open court. A lawyer can make sure that his client is protected in terms of his rights and he can do much to make sure that the matter is finalized quickly and efficiently.
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