If you have been arrested and charged for a crime, you may want to challenge the case in an effort to get the charges reduced or dropped. Succeeding in getting the charges dropped may keep you from facing severe consequences, such as jail time, and it may also aid in keeping your criminal record from affecting your personal life. Following three simple steps could help you achieve your goal in challenging the case against you.
Prepare Documentation and Evidence
Once charges have been brought against you, the district attorney has gathered enough convincing evidence to make the charges stick. If you hope to win your case or receive a lighter sentence, it is essential to gather documentation and evidence that supports your stance. All of the documentation should be prepared before you even obtain an attorney so you can present the evidence to your lawyer upon your initial meeting.
Many prestigious law firms, such as Tully Rinckey Law, require you to provide this documentation during your initial consultation so the attorney can determine if you have a solid case. Having this information prepared and organized can help the lawyer assess your case quickly to structure an effective defense.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
If you wish to challenge criminal charges, hiring an attorney with plenty of experience in the area could be the difference between failure and success. Experienced attorneys such as those at Tully Rinckey have the connections and knowledge you need to corroborate evidence and structure a solid defense. The criminal court process can be overwhelming and confusing, so an experienced attorney can be an invaluable ally in navigating it effectively.
In addition to experience, the lawyer you choose to plead your case should also embody certain characteristics. These include people, analytical thinking, and communication skills. Having these skills allows attorneys to structure creative defenses and argue cases effectively.
Understand the Judicial Process
Although your attorney will walk you through the court proceedings, having a firm grasp on what is coming next helps you stay prepared for each step. Proper preparation is essential for success. Each step has an impact on the final verdict, from your first appearance to the arraignment to the trial.
The type of trial you have plays a major role in how your attorney will argue your case. At the beginning of the court process, you often have the right to choose whether you want a jury trial or a bench trial. While your lawyer will always stick to the facts of the case regardless of which type of trial you choose, the method of presentation may differ slightly. If you choose to have a jury present, your lawyer may play to their empathic nature in an effort to get the charges against you dropped. In contrast, your attorney may focus instead on creating convincing doubt that you committed the crime you have been accused of.
Each type of trial has advantages and disadvantages. Jury trials of often time-consuming, yet you have the opportunity to sway multiple people to drop the charges against you. A bench trial, however, is usually finished quickly, yet you are subject to the decision of a single judge rather than multiple people in a jury.
If you plan to challenge criminal charges brought against you after an arrest, it is essential to prepare yourself properly to increase your chances of success. Presenting documentary evidence of your innocence is a crucial first step, while hiring a reputable, experienced lawyer is also essential. Finally, understanding the court process allows you to use it to your benefit. While completing these three steps does not guarantee success, they provide you with the preparation and tools you need to have the charges dropped.
