A felony charge is extremely serious and it could change your life forever. A conviction can result in prison time and can also carry hefty financial penalties. But a felony charge doesn’t have to result in a conviction. By working with a skilled and experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process, you can reduce the chances that your felony charge will land you in prison.
If you’ve been charged with a felony, you’re probably feeling many emotions, with fear probably the most prevalent. But don’t panic. Remember, an arrest is not a conviction. Until you are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, there are steps you can take that will help build a strong case in your defense.
Stay Quiet
After you are arrested, it’s highly likely that the police will try to question you. Remember that it is your right to remain silent, and if your lawyer is not present, keeping your mouth shut could be vital to preventing a conviction. The police may try to relate to you and make you feel like they’re on your side, but don’t be fooled. They are not on your side, and you should never speak to a police officer without a lawyer present.
Find the Right Representation
Naturally, after receiving a felony charge, it’s important for you to find an attorney as soon as possible. You might be tempted to use a court appointed attorney to save money, but don’t do this unless you have no means of paying for a lawyer. Sure, a court appointed attorney still has to follow procedure and build a case in your defense, but the state is paying him or her less than a hired attorney receives. The logic here is simple. A person will work harder for you if he or she is paid well. You should take the time to find the best attorney you can possibly afford. It might be expensive, but it could be the difference between freedom and incarceration.
How do you find the right representation? You should look to find someone who has a strong reputation for defending clients. One source is to ask friends and family members. Another source is to check the attorney’s on line reviews from clients and other lawyers. Other lawyer reviews are significant, because naturally a lawyer does not want to recommend someone unless the lawyer will provide outstanding legal services. Making a poor recommendation would affect the lawyer’s own reputation and credibility. You should meet with the lawyer and make sure the lawyer answers your questions in an honest and intelligent manner. You should find out if the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to your own.
Put your complete trust in the lawyer you hire. That person has skills that you do not, and he or she knows the best actions to take to build your defense. If you’ve been charged with a felony and need to secure legal counsel, contact Hilf & Hilf, PLC to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney who is ready to fight hard for you.