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Finding yourself thrust into the criminal justice system through an arrest or accusation of a crime is disheartening and can fill you with a mix of emotions. From confusion to frustration to fear, your future may swirl in front of you in a cloud of uncertainty. You may be facing jail time, prison time, fines, probation, or a slew of penalties. Coupling these penalties with the social ramifications that come with potentially identifying as a convicted criminal on job applications, housing applications, or educational opportunities may leave you feeling defeated.
Building a defense against criminal charges starts with obtaining an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can help. Choosing the criminal defense team at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP may help provide you with the answers that can help bring clarity to your situation and empower you to make important decisions that allow you to navigate the litigation process. Our aggressive defense team only takes on a few cases at a time to be sure each one receives the attention it needs. Our clients are our priority because we know it’s your future at stake.
One of the top priorities for any criminal defense attorney is to protect you by holding law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys accountable for the rights that protect you. Many of the rights you may already be familiar with as they are a part of the Miranda rights read to you if you are arrested. These rights are composed of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments which grant you:
A good criminal defense attorney will encourage you to exercise these rights at all times, particularly when you are being questioned by law enforcement.
In addition to these rights, there are procedural elements that need to be followed, including the types of questions law enforcement is allowed to ask you, the way they are allowed to ask them, and the way evidence is collected. That is why it is always recommended to have an attorney present whenever possible.
For many who are accused or arrested for a crime, one of the most weighing factors on their mind is how to pay for an attorney. That is what makes the option of a public defender so appealing. However, public defenders are often inundated with cases, so it can be difficult for them to give your case their full attention. When considering the type of criminal defense attorney you want to represent you, consider the following:
While these questions aren’t the only ones you should take into consideration, you should be sure they are a part of your evaluation. Your future is on the line, and you want to know you can rely on and trust the person who is representing you.
Criminal defense is a broad practice of the law, and many attorneys practice it. However, when you need the right criminal defense attorney, look to Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP. Our attorneys have experience litigating a variety of cases including:
A: Each criminal defense case is different, so the costs you could incur will vary. The more complicated the case, the higher the cost. However, the general cost of a criminal defense attorney is between $90 and $500. The cost is based on experience and reputation in the courtroom. Inquiring about fees upfront is strongly encouraged.
A: Your attorney should always know the facts of your case including anything you have to tell them. Without the truth, your attorney cannot prepare an adequate defense. Even if the truth is an admission of guilt, you are protected by attorney/client privilege, so any information you share is just between you.
A: Because of attorney/client privilege, anything you tell your attorney is considered protected. However, if you lie to your attorney, and later change your story, they are obligated to report this information because they are bound from allowing you to commit perjury. If, however, you admit guilt, your attorney can use this information to build a defense that shows your actions may have been provoked.
A: Both felonies and misdemeanors are considered criminal offenses in California. The classification is used to designate the severity of the crime and the potential penalties you could face. However, both will appear on your criminal record. Some misdemeanors, though, are eligible for expungement after a certain amount of time.
If you have been accused or arrested for a crime, you should seek legal representation as quickly as possible. Ensuring you are protected during each step of the process is just part of the services that Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP provides. We aggressively represent you to be sure you have a defense that is built for your case based on the facts confronting you. Our team is ready to defend you. Contact us today.