In a trial, only you can bear the burden of proving your innocence and protecting yourself against the consequences of a criminal conviction. Judges and prosecutors are tasked with upholding the law. A skilled attorney can prepare you for the unexpected and ensure your rights are protected through the entire procedure, no matter how difficult it may become.
At the Law Office of Peacock & Le Beau, our criminal lawyers in Long Beach have been able to help thousands of clients find success in their criminal cases. In many situations, our clients did not realize how serious the charges were. Others did not know how complicated the legal procedures could become. If you are preparing to resolve a criminal issue in trial or other procedure, there are a few things you should know about criminal defense and the vital role that attorneys play.
A Poor Defense Can Lead to Harsher Consequences
The prosecutor is tasked with proving beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of committing a crime. A vital part of their job is presenting evidence in court before a judge and/or a jury of your peers. In some cases, circumstantial and misleading evidence can be misinterpreted and make an innocent individual appear guilty as charged.
Unless you know the ins and outs of the law relating to a criminal charge, you may not be able to contest weak evidence that the prosecutor brings against you. Ultimately, you may fail to present a strong case in your defense, and you risk suffering a conviction with harsher consequences that you do not deserve, even for a crime that you did not commit.
You May Be Charged with State & Federal Crimes
In California and every other state, there are state laws that define specific criminal activities and their punishments. There are also federal laws—these laws are in effect across the entire country. Although each state adopts its own state-level laws on crime, federal law does not change. A federal crime in California may be tried and punished in Nevada. Crossing state lines does not protect an individual from being charged with a federal crime.
If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, you may face state and federal charges at the same time. In some situations, it is possible to be charged with a federal crime for something that is not considered a crime in the state. This is a common occurrence for drug crimes in states that have legalized certain activities related to marijuana. An act that is illegal according to federal law, but not state law, is still a punishable offense.
An Attorney Can Take Legal Action on Your Behalf
Defense attorneys are a great advantage in many ways, but one of the most important elements is the fact that they are able to take certain actions that you may not. For example, citizens may not be able to retrieve the record of a police report in order to review the evidence brought against them in a case. As a legal professional, a lawyer may have a much easier time securing vital documents and taking legal actions that would be difficult for a citizen to perform.
An attorney with a reputation in the courts and in the community is a huge advantage. Lawyers who have many case successes and are known for their legal abilities may use this experience to the advantage of their clients. Not only can this offer you a stronger defense in court, but it can also be an advantage in negotiations and when seeking the opinion of experts. A reputation in the legal field can go a long way for your defense in court.
There is a good reason why every citizen has the right to an attorney. Without a skilled legal professional defending your rights, a simple case can turn into a nightmare. At the Law Office of Peacock & Le Beau, our attorneys have worked together for over 25 years and received several professional accolades for their legal excellence.
Contact us at 562-888-9148 today or schedule a free case consultation online and secure the legal protection you deserve!