According to the principle of presumption of innocence, every person accused of any crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. So, even if you commit a crime, you still have the constitutional right to defend yourself.
4 Situations Where You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal defense attorney Hasina Lewis identifies four different situations where you need a criminal defense attorney.
The Police Want to Question You
The police may invite you for interrogation. Sometimes, they’ll come to your home or office to give you a formal invitation. At other times, they’ll just come to your home or office and take you in for questioning. In any case, you should remain calm and unperturbed. Then, ask permission to talk to your lawyer first and await directives from them. Usually, your lawyer will ask you to wait until they come. It’s only at that time that you can speak. If you’re jittery and decide to talk to the police before your lawyer comes, you may be doing so at your own risk as the police might manipulate you to say something that can be used against you later.
You’re Charged with a Crime
Your first move should be to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing any criminal charges. Your lawyer will fight to quash the charges against you. If they can’t, they’ll at least try to get a lesser sentence for you. They’ll guide you through the whole process and negotiate the best plea deal possible. However, you may still go to jail if you plead guilty without consulting your lawyer first, something you might think is the easiest route.
You Have Been Falsely Accused
You have been falsely accused and want to go to trial to prove your innocence. But if you plead guilty for fear of prosecution and possible conviction, of course, you could actually lose your freedom, damage your reputation and have a permanent criminal record. A good criminal defense attorney will be able to save you from legal trouble if you go to trial, especially where the prosecution has insufficient evidence to convict you.
Your Rights Have Been Violated
You may want to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you feel that your constitutional rights have been violated. For example, you can contact your lawyer if the police performed a search in your house without a warrant or if they violated your Miranda rights and failed to advise you appropriately while in custody.
So, it makes sense to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side whenever the police want to question you, you’re charged with a crime, you have been falsely accused, or your rights have been violated.
How Hasina Lewis Can Help
Lewis Law is the law firm of Hasina Lewis.
Lewis Law is a reputable law firm in Virginia that specializes in criminal cases like arson, assault and battery, drug possession and distribution, fraud and forgery, malicious wounding, marijuana possession, petit and grand larceny, possession and concealment of firearms and other dangerous weapons, probation violations, prostitution, and robbery.
Lewis Law has won over 94% of cases in more than 1,000 court appearances and succeeded in securing the reduction of the sentences in over 340 of those cases. We’re an experienced and innovative criminal defense and personal injury law firm in Northern Virginia.
Get your free consultation today. For more information or inquiries, call our toll-free number (703) 591-4507 or visit our office at 3925 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 202, Fairfax, VA 22030.
