Trouble with “Johnny Law” is never a good thing, particularly when you end up charged with a crime. Getting charged with a crime places you into a legal system that can often be complex, frustrating, and demanding. The process can be confusing and a lot can be at risk. Along with potential criminal penalties, a conviction can have economic, employment, and educational impacts among others. Representing yourself is not advised because mistakes are easy to make if you do not know what you are doing and these mistakes can have serious consequences on what happens at and after trial. With everything at risk, it’s important that you take care to protect your rights. The best way to protect your rights in the Criminal setting is to discuss your case, concerns, and questions with a Criminal Defense Attorney.
Understanding Your Rights
These days, crime shows have a prominent place in pop-culture. Although shows such as Law and Order can appear educational, these shows are there to entertain and not to educate. It’s important to remember that throughout the entire legal process you maintain certain rights that need to be accurately understood so they are adequately protected. For instance, you may already be aware of Miranda Rights because of Detective Stabler but there is more to them than what appears on television. Contrary to popular belief, the police do not have to read you your Miranda Rights at every police encounter. Miranda Rights apply only when you are in custody and are subjected to interrogation and not at every police encounter. It is also untrue that if the police violate your Miranda Rights your case will be automatically dismissed. Miranda Rights violations do not necessarily mean the dismissal of charges against you. Miranda Rights are a protection of your 5th and 6th Amendment rights against self-incrimination and to have counsel present. Miranda Rights violations allow Defendants opportunities to suppress evidence obtained as a result of these violations. In some cases, the suppression of certain evidence could mean the dismissal of charges but this is not the case every time. Understand that the police are not responsible for asserting your rights. Police mistakes about Miranda Rights and other rights happen but it’s the defendant’s job to assert his/her own rights. In New Hampshire the protections afforded to a criminal defendant’s rights will be forfeited if the violation of the right is never brought to the court’s attention. The complexity of the law in conjunction with the existing legal rumors can make understanding your rights difficult. If you find yourself charged with a criminal offense, you should seek the advice and counsel of a criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at McDonald, Rogers and Lorman, P.L.L.C. are well versed in the rights of criminal defendants and can help guide you through criminal proceedings so that your rights are protected throughout the entire criminal process.
Navigating Through the Process
The criminal legal process can be complex and confusing to many. In the world outside of the courtroom, one might have multiple jobs, a family and bills/debts to be paid. None of which pause when you are charged with a criminal offense. These non-legal pressures can be significant distractions and can make educating oneself on the rules, procedure and process nearly impossible. The stress and demands of legal proceedings, bail conditions, and pretrial services can wreak further havoc on a person. With so much going on, it can be easy to find oneself tempted to make ill-informed or hasty decisions. For instance, plea deals can be particularly tempting because they can seem to be a quick-fix. However, while a plea deal may be a quick fix, in some cases they can have hidden pitfalls. For instance, plea deals including suspended sentences can prove problematic as a later failure to adhere to the conditions of the plea agreement can result in a full imposition of the suspended sentence. Further, a plea deal results in a conviction that goes on your record. Depending on the offense, a conviction can have significant impacts on your later employment opportunities in addition to whatever penalties exist under the plea agreement. Worse, convictions can often require a lengthy waiting time to expunge. It’s advised that you seek the help of a criminal defense attorney to go over plea deals with you so that you understand what you would be agreeing to. Such situations of uncertainty can arise with frequency in the criminal process. For instance, should you waive arraignment or a probable cause hearing? What does a nolo contendere plea mean? A criminal defense attorney can help answer these questions so that you are in a place to make informed decisions. The guidance of a defense attorney goes a long way towards getting you the best outcome possible. The attorneys at McDonald, Rogers and Lorman, P.L.L.C. are skilled at navigating the process of defending criminal proceedings in New Hampshire and can help you get the best possible resolution to your criminal charges.
The Benefits of Having A Defense Attorney
Criminal Charges can be a dark time in one’s life. The possibility of imprisonment and the loss of privileges can play havoc on a defendant’s mind and those of his/her family, especially when the consequences affect your ability to provide for them. For instance, a DUI conviction in NH can have dramatic consequences on your employment opportunities because it means a loss of one’s driving privileges. That is significant in a State with little to no mass-transit. Worse, the conviction is accompanied by fines and other costs that you will be responsible for paying. These can be a very heavy economic burden on someone who might not be able to hold their current employment because of a loss of one’s license. The benefits of having a skilled lawyer during this stressful time are significant. A defense attorney is someone on your team, dedicated to getting you the best possible result. A skilled attorney can answer your questions and concerns, protect your rights, navigate you through a complex process, and – in many cases – negotiate a favorable plea deal in lieu of going all the way to trial. The attorneys at McDonald, Rogers and Lorman, P.L.L.C. are skilled criminal defense attorneys who are dedicated to protecting the rights of their clients and providing them with the best resolution to their legal issues.
Contact a New Hampshire Defense Attorney Today
The attorneys at McDonald, Rogers and Lorman, P.L.L.C. are “big picture” thinkers, allowing them to see where you are as well as where you are potentially headed, and are able to provide you with the legal advice and support necessary to help you get the best outcome for your case. Contact the attorneys at McDonald, Rogers and Lorman, P.L.L.C. today for a FREE consultation to learn more about criminal law or to discuss any charges that you may have.