What is a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hiring a professional attorney for criminal cases in Suffolk County to represent you is advisable when facing criminal charges. A criminal law attorney fights to defend you against the charges to protect you from suffering the harsh penalties of a conviction. The legal experts know how the justice system works and can help you navigate the complexities to defend your rights and freedom.

Most criminal defense attorneys can provide legal counsel and representation for most crimes, such as the following:

  • Arson
  • Assault
  • Burglary
  • Driving under the influence
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug crimes
  • Embezzlement
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder or manslaughter
  • Trespassing
  • Sexual assault
  • Resisting arrest
  • Robbery

A criminal offense conviction often results in hefty penalties such as fines, possible jail time, and a ruined reputation that stays with you for years. A criminal defense attorney in New York can help you avoid these penalties. Learn when and why you should contact a Long Island criminal justice attorney if you’re under investigation for a crime or have been arrested.

Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A skilled Long Island criminal justice lawyer can provide many services to protect your rights, freedom, and future when you’re facing criminal charges:

  • They tailor a customized legal defense strategy based on the evidence presented against you, which you may not be able to do by yourself.
  • They protect and support you as legal experts and as humans.
  • They investigate and assess the case’s merits and look at areas that may weaken the prosecutor’s case.
  • They can negotiate a plea bargain if the evidence against you is overwhelming to help reduce the penalties you might face
  • They professionally handle your arraignment, pre-trial motions, trial, and sentencing.
  • They fight to protect your constitutional rights.
  • Hiring a lawyer saves you time in the long run.

All these factors point to why you shouldn’t go to court without the legal representation of a criminal justice attorney in Long Island. However, don’t wait until it’s too late to hire one. Contact one as soon as possible, and more importantly, under the following circumstances.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When you’re the target of a criminal investigation, you can feel like you’re all alone against the law enforcers and the government. The good thing is that you don’t have to be alone, as you have a right to the assistance of a lawyer under the following circumstances:

When You Have Been Arrested

If you’re accused of and arrested for a crime, you’ll be brought to the station and booked. You have the right to invoke the 5th Amendment right and insist on having your criminal justice lawyer before answering any further questions besides those related to your identity. However, you won’t be able to call an attorney until after you’ve been booked.

As you wait for your lawyer, take the opportunity to write down the details of your arrest. These small details can help your case later, especially if the police violated your rights during the arrest. Your lawyer can argue based on the irregularities as a defense to beat the charges.

During Police Questioning

Police and other law enforcement officers are well-trained to ask questions and seek answers from people under criminal investigations. They can intimidate you into saying things that they can use against you in a court of law and may say something like, “Why don’t you just answer a few questions, and we can clear things up.”

Unfortunately, you could end up saying something that could incriminate you. The police know you have a right to remain silent until you have a lawyer. Your lawyer can advise you objectively about the questions and tell you when to stay quiet, as you don’t have to answer all the questions the police ask.

When Someone Accuses You of a Crime

If someone accuses you of a crime, try to avoid talking to them and instead call a criminal defense lawyer in Suffolk County. That way, you will have someone to protect and defend you if the accuser calls the police to file charges against you.

Your attorney can mediate between you and the accuser if the misunderstanding is minor, such as property damage that doesn’t require police intervention. Having a lawyer to represent you when accused of a crime can be the difference between having your freedom and spending decades in prison, especially for crimes like sexual assault and child molestation.

When the Police Have a Search Warrant Against You

Sometimes the police may have probable cause to believe you possess evidence of a crime. So, they can obtain a search warrant to search your person, home, vehicle, or anywhere they believe the evidence could be located. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately if they serve you with a search warrant.

Your Suffolk County criminal justice attorney can review the warrant and ensure the police only search where the order allows them. Often, the police won’t give you enough time to prepare for the search for fear that you might hide the evidence. So, get on the phone before them and talk to an attorney. If possible, remain with the officers outside your car or home until the lawyer arrives.

Take Action Today and Let a Criminal Defense Attorney Fight for Your Rights

If you have been accused of a crime, arrested, or under investigation, don’t try to work it out alone. You need the counsel and representation of a skilled criminal justice lawyer in Long Island to help you fight the battle. A conviction can have severe penalties, but a lawyer can help you avoid them altogether.

Our passionate and aggressive New York lawyers have a wealth of experience and a proven track record of representing clients. We believe in fighting for the rights of those facing criminal charges to give them a fresh start. Call the Mirsky Law Firm at 516-299-6187 to discuss your case with a legal professional if you face a criminal charge.