Here Are Some Tips to Make the Most of Your Free Consultation With a Felony Attorney
The 2021 fiscal year reported over 57,000 felony charges nationwide. A felony is a crime that is punishable by large fines and a prison sentence of more than one year. Convictions are typically met with severe penalties, and felonies remain on your record for the rest of your life. To be charged with a felony is an overwhelming experience, and its repercussions spread far into the future. A felony attorney will be able to guide you with valuable legal advice. It is crucial to make the most of your free consultation with a lawyer, in order to present the strongest possible case in your defense.
If you or a loved one have been charged with a felony crime, contact Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP today for a free consultation.
Call (508) 570-3037 or fill out a contact form, or fill out a contact form on our website.
What Constitutes a Strong Defense?
An effective defense needs two things: a working knowledge of relevant laws, and solid evidence that supports your case. This requires a comprehensive understanding of your rights, of the available defenses, and the consequences of a conviction. A knowledgeable and capable felony attorney is your best ally for navigating the challenges of a criminal case.
The strength or weakness of any case depends largely on the evidence presented by each side. If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence, or cannot prove the elements of the crime, then it will be much easier to either prove innocence or that the case should be dropped.
In contrast, if the defendant does not have adequate evidence to support their argument, or to prove that they did not commit the crime, then this will weaken their case. A felony attorney will ensure that you have the best defense available for your case.
Another factor is whether the defendant is a first-time or a repeat offender. A judge may be more lenient when issuing punishment for a first-time offender. This is especially true for non-violent crimes. Conversely, if the crime resulted in serious harm to another person, or if the defendant is a repeat offender, the result will likely be a stricter punishment.
A felony attorney will determine the best legal strategy based on your situation, increasing your chances of winning your case or obtaining a more favorable plea bargain.
What Should I Bring to My Consultation?
It is useful to bring a list of questions to ask your attorney. These questions may include:
- Who will be my primary point of contact at the law firm?
- What is the best approach for me?
- How long do you think this case would take using this approach?
- How often do you handle cases similar to mine? What is the outcome?
- How much will this cost?
In addition to these questions, you will need to bring certain documents so that your lawyer has all the relevant details. These can include:
- Documents that pertain to the current case, like search warrants or arraignment papers
- Documents that pertain to any past cases, such as arrest records or past convictions
- Evidence that supports dropping the case, such as text messages, video recordings, etc.
- A list of both eyewitnesses and character witnesses, including their contact information
In order to build a strong case and to reduce the chances of having to go to prison, the best thing that you can do for yourself if you are facing felony charges is to hire an experienced felony attorney. Understanding how to prepare for your consultation ensures that you make the best use of your time with your lawyer. Together you can work to establish the most successful defense for your case.
To request a free consultation with Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP, or to simply get in touch, call (508) 570-3037 or fill out a contact form on our website.
Source: Legalmatch.com