Knowing Your Rights When Accused with a Crime

To assure that trials of a criminal nature are fair, both the defense lawyers and prosecutors must abide by a set of rules and regulations. These cases necessitate an experienced lawyer who understands the nuances of criminal law. A lawyer must be involved with the case from the start, so they can build a strong case for their client and protect them from making incriminating statements. 

When someone is arrested, police officers must inform them of their rights to obtaining legal representation. In some cases, it may be possible for the defense lawyer to negotiate a plea for a lesser charge. The choice to plead guilty or innocent is with the defendant and his or her legal team. If you are put under interrogation by an officer, then you must be informed that:

• You have the right to stay silent
• Any statement you make may be used against you
• You have the right to obtain counsel
• If you don’t have the funds to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed

If found guilty, the defendant may be sentenced to fines, probation, jail time, restitution, and/or community service. It is the job of a lawyer to convince the jury that there is enough reasonable doubt to where the defendant shouldn’t be found guilty. During the initial consultation, it is imperative that the accused is open and transparent about what happened, so their lawyer can consider every angle that the prosecution may use against them. 

The judge will establish the bond and bail conditions. When setting the bond, a judge will consider these factors:

• Crime being charged
• Past criminal record
• Employment
• History of failing to appear
• Duration of time in community

Anyone who has recently been arrested is advised to contact a criminal defense lawyer Des Moines, IA immediately, such as a lawyer from The Law Group of Iowa.