This is the next post in my series on how to defend against a first offense in Little Rock, Arkansas. My last article addressed how to defend against first-offense felony charges in our state. It is important to remember that felonies are much more serious than misdemeanors as they are crimes that could result in a prison sentence of over one year. Arkansas defendants should be aware that they may face severe penalties even if it is only a first-time felony offense. In this article I will discuss the importance of retaining counsel when you have been charged with a first-time offense. If you or a family member are in need of assistance, then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
It is common for people charged with their first offense to not fully understand the severity of the situation. This is often the case when someone has been charged with a misdemeanor, as the charge may seem less serious than a felony. However, it is important for individuals to be aware that all criminal charges, large or small, should be taken seriously. Such charges can result in potential jail time as well as fines. Consulting with counsel as soon as possible will ensure that you are familiar with the process as your case progresses. Further, attorneys often need to file necessary motions, gather evidence, and speak with witnesses. The sooner you retain an attorney, the sooner they can begin working on your case.
Your counsel will be able to provide objective advice as to how you should move forward with your case. Your lawyer will likely have experience handling similar matters and have a good understanding of your situation. Cases involving potential jail time are very serious so they should be handled by professionals. Individuals may believe that they are entitled to certain defenses, but in reality, such claims would not apply to their case. An example of this is if someone believes their case should be dropped because they were not read their Miranda warnings. While in some cases, this is a valid issue, in others it may not be. How to defend against a particular charge will always depend on the specifics of the situation.
On the other hand, some individuals may not be aware that they have legitimate defenses that can be used to help their case. The average person tends to not be an expert in complex criminal defense issues, such as search and seizure rules and eyewitness identification procedures. Criminal defense attorneys deal with such issues everyday so they will likely be more knowledgeable about when certain defenses apply. Your attorney will review the police report and all other evidence and will be able to speak with you about your situation. They will ultimately provide you with a fair and honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses in your case. This will help you to better understand how the process will go and what challenges may arise. Due to the complexity of criminal law, it is important to retain an attorney that has experience specifically dealing with criminal cases. Most licensed attorneys are allowed to defend you on your behalf but criminal rules and procedures are tricky for those who do not commonly deal with them. This is why it is important to locate an attorney that has experience handling such cases.
I am a Little Rock criminal defense lawyer and my office prides itself on giving each case the attention and respect that clients deserve. This includes maintaining communication regularly with you throughout the entire duration of your case and keeping you informed every step of the way. I understand that you are facing a serious situation and I am ready to assist you. Contact my office online or by telephone today. I also handle matters in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, and throughout the remainder of Arkansas.