The Role of a Felony Lawyer: Understanding Your Legal Defense

Felony cases typically begin when the United States Attorney’s Office files a criminal complaint against an accused person. The complaint is a sworn statement that alleges that an alleged crime has been committed.

The role of the criminal lawyer is to help people through this complex legal process. They are required to test police evidence and protect their clients’ rights.

The Role of a Felony Lawyer

A felony lawyer Jacksonville NC has the client’s best interests in mind throughout multiple case areas. They research and analyze evidence to build a strong client defense case. They also work with prosecutors to find a potential plea bargain and fight for their clients at trial.

They must also be able to ease the stress of their clients, especially in this sensitive and unfamiliar time of their lives. They should be readily available to answer questions, and they should be able to explain the court process in an easy-to-understand way.

There is a common perception that criminal lawyers have dangerous jobs, which movies and TV shows can influence, but this is unfounded. Rarely a criminal defense attorney is ever put in harm’s way, though they may be verbally threatened or even physically attacked during a trial or in a pre-trial conference. A full-time bodyguard should always protect them and can wear a bulletproof vest in court.

Defending Against a Felony Charge

A felony is a serious criminal charge that could result in lengthy prison time and large fines. Some common felonies include possession of a controlled substance, burglary, domestic violence, drug offenses, and violent crimes like murder and manslaughter.

A criminal defense lawyer can help someone defend against a felony charge by disputing the evidence in the case. They can also contest the legality of police actions during an investigation and questioning. An attorney can argue that the officers violated a suspect’s Fifth Amendment rights, failed to read their Miranda rights, or improperly obtained evidence.

Defending against a felony requires an in-depth understanding of state laws and the ability to analyze the evidence presented. A criminal defense lawyer can also use their research skills to create a legal strategy and case theory. They can interview witnesses and draft and file motions. They may also be able to argue a case before a judge or jury.

Defending Against a DUI Charge

If you are arrested for driving under the influence, your attorney will use several strategies to defend against the charge. One strategy is to challenge the officer’s observations. For example, swerving and jerking movements are often considered intoxication signs. Still, these same movement patterns can also be caused by medical conditions like diabetes, vertigo, or prior knee/ankle injuries.

Another way to attack the State’s evidence is to expose problems with field sobriety tests and breathalyzers. Your lawyer will question officers and cross-examine any witnesses to identify inconsistencies, errors, or faulty procedures.

Your attorney may also hire experts to help strengthen your case. This can include forensic crime, scene investigators and toxicologists. A felony conviction can have life-altering consequences, and you must fight for the best outcome possible. A good criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference.

Defending Against a Sex Crime

A criminal defense lawyer can help a client fight a sex crime charge. Sexual assault allegations are often based on circumstantial evidence. A good attorney can discredit the State’s case. He might present evidence to show that the accused received consent from the alleged victim for his behavior. This can include conversation logs and other forms of proof. He might also question the accuser’s motives. Many falsely accuse others of sexual crimes because they feel shame or seek revenge.

A skilled sex crime attorney can present evidence proving the accused was at another location during the alleged sexual encounter. This could involve hotel receipts, plane tickets and credit card records. He may also challenge eyewitness accounts by pointing out inconsistencies. He can even challenge photo lineup procedures and other types of identification evidence gathered by police officers. In the end, he may be able to get the charge against his client dropped.