If you are being accused of a crime, you are probably experiencing fear, confusion, and concern for your future. Your concerns are justified because the consequences of a criminal conviction could be far-reaching, even for relatively minor offenses.
Do not try to navigate the criminal justice system alone. An experienced Richwood criminal defense lawyer will get to know you, listen to your story, and work tenaciously to get you the best outcome the circumstances permit. Contact Busald Funk Zevely today to schedule a consultation to learn more.
Safeguarding a Criminal Defendant’s Rights
The Constitution gives everyone certain rights, but law enforcement and prosecutors do not always adhere to Constitutional mandates. Sadly, it is not unusual for law enforcement to target someone for improper reasons or mistreat a suspect in custody. Our highly trained legal team has decades of experience advocating on behalf of individuals accused of:
- Fraud
- Identity theft
- Sexual abuse and assault
- Domestic disputes
- Federal crimes
- Shoplifting
- Traffic violations
- Probation and parole violations
- Alcohol and drug-related offenses
- Disorderly conduct
- Homicide
A Richwood defense attorney will speak with the accused to learn the circumstances of an arrest and events immediately before and after. If law enforcement officers failed to respect the accused’s rights or engaged in misconduct, they can bring the situation to the attention of the prosecutor and the courts.
Services a Criminal Attorney Provides
When a court allows charges to stand and the prosecutor decides to press the case, our defense attorneys will do several things simultaneously. They will closely review the prosecutor’s evidence and note where it is weak in preparation for trial. They also will gather evidence supporting the accused’s explanation of the events.
As the case progresses and the attorney learns more about the accused and the case, they will engage in several other activities to help the accused.
Consider Diversion Programs
In some situations, investigating a rehabilitation or diversion program is advisable. When an accused is facing challenges due to addiction, mental health issues, or anger management problems, a program that offers an opportunity for rehabilitation and education could help the accused overcome their challenges and avoid future contact with the criminal justice system.
Negotiating Plea Agreements
Being convicted of some crimes could lead to suspension or revocation of a driver’s license, loss of the right to vote or own a gun, mandatory sex offender registration, property forfeiture, and could impact child custody decisions. In addition, many crimes require jail or prison sentences. Negotiating a plea might be the wise decision in such cases.
Sometimes an accused has information a prosecutor could find valuable. In such cases, a legal professional could negotiate to reduce or dismiss charges in exchange for the accused providing the information to law enforcement.
Vigorous Trial Advocacy
Criminal defense attorneys in Richwood are experienced litigators who will not hesitate to take cases to trial when appropriate. They will challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and raise every possible defense to help an accused defeat the charges.
Appeals
Anyone convicted of a crime could appeal their conviction to a higher court. This firm could review the trial record to find examples of legal errors or prosecutorial misconduct that could provide a basis for an appeal.
Expungement
Most people understand that a person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony has a criminal record. However, many do not realize that an arrest or criminal charge could be visible to anyone who runs a background check, even if the person was not convicted of the crime. Our attorneys can advise someone about expunging their criminal record, so past contact with the criminal justice system is not disclosed on background checks.
Let a Richwood Defense Attorney Help You Challenge Criminal Charges
A criminal charge, even for a minor offense, is something you must take seriously. At Busald Funk Zevely, our attorneys understand how prosecutors manage their cases and can use that knowledge to your advantage, achieving the most favorable outcome possible given the evidence. We use an aggressive approach, decades of experience, and essential connections to fight on your behalf.
Do not try to handle a criminal charge without a seasoned legal professional by your side. Contact our Richwood criminal defense lawyers today.
