Law Offices of Shawn R. Perez

Why are Criminal Defense Attorneys Important?

 

Criminal law is a complex body of state and federal legislation that may not be easily understandable to the average person. Unfortunately, ignorance or failing to understand criminal law is rarely an acceptable defense to avoid being found guilty. Thus, it is important to secure good legal counsel and that is where Shawn Perez Law can help.

​

Although an individual has the right to represent himself or herself during criminal trial proceedings, the consequences of having inadequate legal representation can be dire. Misdemeanors (lesser crimes) might only involve a fine or a brief jail sentence, but felonies (more serious crimes) can lead to long prison terms. Securing someone knowledgeable about the law to argue on your behalf is to your benefit.

In the United States, criminal law and prosecution happen at both the federal and the state levels. The majority of crimes are state crimes and each state often sets its own definitions and penalties for state crimes. Exceptions to this include causing damage to federal property or inflicting injury upon a federal employee. A federal crime or federal offense is an act that is made illegal by U.S. federal legislation and is one that is prosecuted under federal criminal law, and not under a state's criminal law.  Federal offenses or crimes include many acts that, if they did not occur on U.S. federal property or on Indian reservations or were not specifically penalized, would otherwise not be federal crimes, but fall under state or local law.

 

The following is a list of some of the more common federal crimes:

 

• Bank Fraud

• Crimes Against Children

• Cyber Crimes

• Counterfeiting                     

• Credit Card Fraud

• Currency Schemes

• Embezzlement

• Environmental violations

• Extortion                                    

• Forgery

• Investment Schemes

• Insider Trading & Securities Fraud

• Insurance Fraud

• Medicare Fraud

• Narcotics Trafficking

• Kickbacks

• Larceny/Theft Crimes

• Money Laundering

• Racketeering

• Tax Evasion

• Federal Civil Rights Violations

  • Hate crimes 

  • Color of Law/Police Misconduct

• Involuntary Servitude/Slavery

• Gun Crimes

• Immigration

  • Illegal re-entry

  • Smuggling illegal aliens

  • Harboring illegal aliens

  • Immigration fraud

• Public corruption

​

Prosecution guidelines are determined by the U.S. Attorney in each federal judicial district and by laws that Congress has already established.

Criminal defense attorneys represent those charged with crimes in court. Crimes can range from a misdemeanor to a felony while punishment can range from a small fine or community service to years in prison or even death.

 

The U.S. Constitution ensures that all citizens charged with a crime will be provided representation. However, competent representation during criminal proceedings is vital for those charged with committing a crime. If you have retained the services of a criminal law lawyer or are seeking to retain one, be informed on what services your attorney may be able to perform.

​

Criminal Defense Attorney Services Pre-Trial

 

Criminal defense attorneys can help clients at pre-trial and throughout the criminal justice process. Some people choose to retain a lawyer even before they are charged, like during a crime's investigation period. Often this happens if a suspect in a crime has reason to believe that he or she will soon be charged. Under these circumstances, a criminal defense lawyer may help advise the individual while being questioned by authorities to ensure the suspect doesn't offer any incriminating information.

 

A criminal defense attorney can also help convince a court to drop charges against you based on insufficient evidence or improper procedure. For example, in many instances a police officer must have probable cause before making an arrest, meaning a compelling reason to believe that you may have committed a crime. Criminal defense attorneys have an informed understanding of probable cause as it is defined within your jurisdiction and may be able to present a challenge to the officers reasoning in court. If the attorney can show that the officer may not have had probable cause to investigate the alleged crime scene and make an arrest, charges against you may be dropped before a trial even begins.

 

In addition, when you are arrested for a crime, you may be detained pending trial. However, you can oftentimes be released as long as you post bail, a certain amount of money determined by a judge that is intended to ensure you show up for trial. A criminal defense attorney can attempt to persuade the court to reduce your bail or waive it altogether.

​

If you already know you will be found guilty of committing a crime, you may want to try to enter into a plea bargain with the prosecution. A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement to reduce charges to a lesser crime or reduce sentencing. Your attorney can represent you during plea negotiations to increase your chances of receiving a reduced punishment.

​

Criminal Defense Attorney Services at Trial

 

Criminal defense attorneys can also assist you during the criminal trial. They can analyze your case, identifying its strengths and weaknesses. From there, your attorney and you can collaborate and strategize to come up with your best defense.

 

Your attorney can also discuss the pros and cons of pleading guilty, especially when a plea bargain may be on the table.

 

Your lawyer can also assist with the standard steps of a criminal trial, from jury selection to providing opening statements to questioning witnesses. If your trial does not go in your favor, criminal defense attorneys can assist you with the appeals process.

 

The content of this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with an attorney regarding any legal issues. If you have more questions and would like to hear more about what Shawn Perez Law can do for you, schedule a consultation with us.

​