Defending Criminal Charges and What to Expect:

For people who have been charged with a criminal offense, they know how difficult and stressful the experience can be. There will likely be many questions in regards to defending criminal charges and what to expect. Often, the answers to those questions in particular can give a defendant some peace of mind.

If you or someone you know is convicted of a criminal offense, it is important to realize that records and reputations can be severely damaged.

Depending on the charge and type of conviction, anyone defending criminal charges could face huge fines and even stiff jail time. It can also result in losing a job or having problems getting a job.

Because the criminal justice system is such a difficult system to understand, if someone is faced with defending criminal charges, whether it is a DUI, assault, theft, or a crime that can result in a really long prison sentence, it is beneficial to hire a criminal defense lawyer because this type of lawyer will have the experience and expertise required for successfully defending criminal charges.

At Fernandez Law Group, our Tampa criminal law attorneys regularly practice criminal law and have a great deal of experience in representing our client’s needs, aggressively defending criminal charges, and protecting their rights extremely well. We understand how the legal process works, the nature of the various criminal charges, and how best to defend our clients, whether it is negotiating a plea or taking the case to trial.

When our attorneys represent a person charged with an offense, we fight to protect our client’s rights and work to achieve a fair outcome. In many cases, our attorneys have discovered evidence that lead to reduced fines, shorter sentences, and having charges dismissed.  When we’re defending criminal charges, we work for the client, not the prosecution.

When our attorneys represent a client, we will be involved in all aspects of preparing the case. As a general guideline, any criminal defense attorney should perform at minimum, the following:

During the process of defending criminal charges, we keep our clients completely informed of their options and possible outcomes and put the case together in a way that is designed to get defendants the best possible outcome. In addition, our clients will be advised of the risks and benefits of going to trial.

Criminal defense lawyers play an important part in ensuring the criminal justice system remains fair and just. They make sure their clients’ rights remain protected.

At Fernandez Law Group, our Tampa criminal defense attorneys have a lot of trial experience and are able to work effectively with prosecutors and judges to provide the best defense possible.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

 Defending criminal charges requires a strategic approach and consideration of several factors.

1. Understanding the Charges

• Nature of the Charges: Analyzing the specifics of the charges, including the legal definitions and potential penalties.
• Elements of the Crime: Identifying what the prosecution must prove to establish guilt and find weaknesses in their case.

2. Gathering Evidence

• Collect Evidence: Obtain all relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence.
• Investigate Witnesses: Find and interview witnesses who can support your defense or contradict the prosecution’s case.

3. Establishing an Alibi

• If applicable, we can utilize credible alibis that demonstrate a defendant was not at the scene of the crime when it occurred.

4. Identifying Legal Defenses

• Self-Defense: Argue that a defendant’s actions were justified as a response to a threat.
• Insanity Defense: If applicable, demonstrate that a defendant was not in a sound mental state at the time of the offense.
• Mistake of Fact: Show that a defendant misunderstood a fact that negated their intent.

5. Challenging Evidence

• Illegally Obtained Evidence: File motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of a defendant’s rights, such as through unlawful searches.
• Chain of Custody Issues: Challenge the integrity of physical evidence if there are gaps in the chain of custody.

6. Examining Procedural Issues

• Review the handling of the case for any procedural errors that could affect its validity, such as improper arrest or failure to follow legal protocols.

7. Expert Testimony

• Consider utilizing expert witnesses who can provide testimony that supports the defense, such as forensic experts or mental health professionals.

8. Negotiation for Plea Deals

• Work with defendants to negotiate potential plea deals that might result in reduced charges or lesser penalties.

9. Pre-Trial Motions

• File pre-trial motions that could dismiss charges, exclude evidence, or change the venue if a fair trial is not possible in the current location.

10. Character Evidence

• If appropriate, present evidence of a defendant’s good character to bolster their credibility and suggest that the alleged behavior is out of character.

11. Trial Strategy

• Develop a clear trial strategy that addresses key weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and emphasizes the defense.

12. Public Perception

• Be mindful of how media coverage or public opinion may impact a case and discuss strategies for managing this with defendants.

13. Legal Representation

• Defendants should always choose an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the law and has a track record of successfully defending similar charges.

Each case is unique, and the effectiveness of these factors will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the charges. A thorough and well-planned defense strategy, tailored to each individual situation, can significantly improve the chances of a favorable outcome when defending criminal charges.

* The hiring of a lawyer for defending criminal charges is an important decision that should not be made until after a consultation and full discussion as to each individual’s specific situation and needs.
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CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.