Being charged with a crime, or even just being investigated for criminal activity, could upend your life. It could impact your work, friendships, housing, and family.
Being accused of a crime is different from being a criminal, and our Elsmore criminal defense lawyers never forget this. Once we take a case, we commit to achieving the best possible result the circumstances allow. We keep you and your future foremost in mind, whatever the charges.
If you were arrested or charged with a crime, or believe you are under criminal investigation, call our experienced attorneys at Busald Funk Zevely immediately. Skilled representation can make an enormous difference in the outcome.
Ensuring You Know What to Expect
An Elsmere criminal defense attorney’s first job is to ensure the accused understands the charges, the process for resolving them, and the possible repercussions. The anxiety of facing criminal accusations can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can provide relief.
Our attorneys will ensure that the police and prosecutors treat the accused fairly and respect their rights. We will explore all possible grounds for asserting a violation of the accused’s rights, such as lack of probable cause to detain a suspect, failure to timely deliver the Miranda rights, or an improperly executed search warrant.
If there is an indication that the accused’s rights were not respected in full, our legal professionals can bring a motion to dismiss the charges, suppress improperly obtained evidence, or seek other relief as appropriate.
Preparing the Strongest Possible Defense
After speaking with the accused and hearing their understanding of what took place, an Elsmere criminal defender will begin reviewing the prosecution’s evidence. This includes investigating its handling and the procedures in place at laboratories and other facilities. Our attorneys will identify any weaknesses in the evidence and develop a strategy to exploit those weaknesses.
Simultaneously, they will seek evidence supporting the accused’s position. They will interview witnesses, look for physical evidence, and might construct an alternative explanation to the prosecutor’s version of events. Some of the scenarios our tenacious defense team commonly represents include but are not limited to:
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Disorderly conduct such as public intoxication
- Drug trafficking and other federal crimes
- DUI offenses and other traffic violations
- Theft
- Sex crimes
- Homicide
Facing any of these charges requires having legal representation who knows how to build a defense properly and is not afraid to aggressively advocate on behalf of the accused.
Resolving Criminal Charges
If dismissal of charges is not possible, an Elsmere criminal attorney will prepare a defense for trial while engaging in negotiations with prosecutors. If an accused is facing personal challenges such as addiction, mental illness, or family concerns, a diversion program might be the right answer for them.
If the prosecutor or the accused will not agree to a diversion program, attempting to reach a plea agreement instead of going to trial might be the best outcome in some cases. A plea might allow an accused to resolve charges without risking a result that could have a lasting impact on their work or family life. Being convicted of some criminal charges triggers other consequences an accused might want to avoid, such as:
- Loss of driver’s license
- Loss of the right to own firearms
- Suspension or revocation of a professional license
- Property forfeiture
- Registration as a sex offender
- Impact on child custody and visitation
- Deportation
Although our legal representatives can advise whether an accused should accept a prosecutor’s plea agreement, the decision is up to the accused. If no acceptable deal is offered, the legal counselor will continue to prepare for trial. The prosecutor must establish every element in a charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Our criminal defenders will focus on neutralizing or contradicting their evidence for each aspect.
Get in Touch to Let an Elsmere Criminal Defense Attorney Handle Your Case
The criminal justice system is supposed to be fair to everyone, but the sad reality is that defendants with diligent, aggressive legal counsel fare better than those who do not.
Give yourself the benefit of a seasoned Elsmere criminal defense lawyer. Our attorneys have decades of experience that we are ready to put to work to get you the best result in your situation. Call today to schedule a consultation.
