Criminal Defense FAQ

St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney

Were you arrested on suspicion of committing a crime? You should get in touch with our team at LeavenLaw. We have years of experience in standing up for the rights of those who have been falsely accused of a crime or were treated unfairly by the justice system. In order to ensure that your rights are protected along the way, it is imperative that you have a strong legal advocate on your side. We can walk with you every step of the way so that you can have a skilled professional to go to with any questions or concerns.

If you need qualified counsel or if your questions were not answered by this page, please call us at (855) 532-8365 for a free consult!

I’ve been arrested, what should I do next?
If you were arrested on suspicion of committing a crime and placed under arrest, it can be difficult to know where to go for help. The first thing you should do if you have been arrested is to retain the services of a legal representative. Even if you are completely innocent of all the charges against you, it is still important that you have someone in your side protecting your best interests. You should also choose not to say anything until you have spoken with a legal representative because what you say could be used against you.

Do I need a defense lawyer?
If you made a mistake and were arrested for DUI, theft, or another crime, it is not recommended that you seek to defend yourself without the counsel of a qualified attorney. Even if you were falsely accused, who you choose to represent you could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Not only could you be facing years behind bars, but you could be left with a permanent criminal record or place on the sex offender registry, depending on what crime you were accused of. If you would like to learn how we could help you, please contact our team as soon as possible.

How could I defend myself if I have been accused of a crime?
If you have found yourself facing criminal charges, there are two main ways that you can seek to defend yourself. The first type of defense is by pleading innocent. In the American justice system, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty. The jury will have to prove that they were guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, but it is not up to you that you are innocent. The second type of defense is that you were guilty of the crime but should not have been held responsible. This could include self-defense, entrapment, or insanity.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
In the criminal justice system, crimes are classified into different categories. The least serious type of crime is an infraction. A traffic ticket is an example of an infraction and usually the only penalty you could face is a fine. Next is a misdemeanor. If you were accused of DUI, shoplifting, or assault, you could be facing misdemeanor charges. A conviction of a misdemeanor could result in time in jail, but a conviction of a felony could result in time in state prison. Felony charges are reserved for such crimes as rape, murder, aggravated DUI, and arson.

What are my rights?
If you were arrested for a criminal offense, you need to be aware of your rights. When you are taken into custody by a law enforcement officer, they are first required to read the individual their Miranda rights. These famous rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney and if the police officer fails to do this, it could affect your case. You will also have rights in regards to a trial, so please ensure that you have a strong representative on your side throughout the entire process.

Criminal Defense

St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney

More questions? Contact a St. Petersburg Criminal Lawyer!

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