criminal-defense

When do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been accused of a crime, you may be wondering whether you need to call an attorney.  You may have heard that lawyers can be extremely expensive and also that prosecutors do not “go after” people for a first offense. In reality, an attorney is probably not nearly as expensive as you expect (we even offer payment plans) and even a first time offense can result in serious legal consequences.

If you have been accused of a crime, you should call an attorney as soon as possible. Calling an attorney early can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case and may even result in the case simply going away without any legal consequences at all.

What will a Lawyer do for You?

Criminal law is extraordinarily complex, and very rarely does a criminal case come down to whether or not the defendant actually committed the crime of which he or she is alleged. Your lawyer will thoroughly review your case and determine whether there were any legal violations that occurred when law enforcement investigated or arrested you. If there were, an attorney can will bring these violations to the attention of the court, which may decide that the evidence gathered against you is inadmissible, often forcing the prosecution to drop its case.

Of course, if you actually did not do what you are accused of doing, your lawyer will take your case to trial and argue for your innocence. These cases are relatively rare, as prosecutors do not tend to issue a case unless they have a strong feeling that they can win it.

Finally, if your case is resolved through a plea bargain, as the vast majority are, your lawyer will make sure that you get the best possible deal available. Having an attorney is critical in this process, as prosecutors have little incentive to negotiate with an unrepresented party. When you have a lawyer, however, he or she will point out weaknesses in the state’s case and negotiate a plea bargain that may even be able to avoid a conviction from being entered on your record.

Call a New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been accused of a crime in New Jersey, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Robert DePersia has more than 25 years of experience practicing law in New Jersey and will work hard to bring your case to the best resolution possible. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 856-795-9688 or send us an email through our online contact form.