Defending Adults and Juveniles Against Criminal Charges
As a criminal defense lawyer, I can not help my clients by arguing about the policies pertaining to drinking, driving, and the use of drugs. For fifty years or more, Americans have ignored the dangers of alcohol while college kids get arrested - and their future threatened - for smoking or drinking at rock concerts. My job is to win the case and not to scream about the questionable policies that have led to the selective criminalization.
Why is 20 too young but 21 okay? Why is it legal to buy rum but not pot? A trial is not the forum for debating the answer.
Whenever anyone is accused of a crime, I recommend two actions, regardless of whether the person is a juvenile or adult:
- Call a lawyer.
- Do not talk about the charges with anyone but your lawyer.
Continued association with those connected to the arrest or the the criminal charges can generate unhelpful hostility, confusion, and even more charges.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can give you advice specific to your situation.
The Basics of Criminal Law and Procedure
In nearly all criminal cases, the accused is facing the possibility of jail. Because of the seriousness of this potential loss of liberty, the government has certain burdens:
- the accused must have performed the act that violates the law
- the accused must have had the intent to commit the act
- the prosecution can only use lawfully obtained and admissible evidence
- the prosecution's evidence must prove the act and intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
The accused has no obligation to prove innocence. The issue is whether the prosecution has proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus a criminal defendant enters a plea of "guilty" or "not guilty", because these are the only recognized verdicts.
How I Can Help You
For clients whom I accept, I use every legal means to defend them. I do not start with the goal of of working out a deal with the prosecution. From the moment I first meet with my client, I begin designing strategies to win and then analyzing which strategies will work. Our American criminal justice system depends on defense attorneys working within the system to win.
Learn what I can do for you.The consultation is free. Contact me without delay.