Over 500,000 people in Florida were arrested and accused of a crime in 2019. If you are one of the accused, it is important to understand your rights and have an experienced legal team to guide you through the legal process. Whether accused of a DUI, drug crime, sex crime, theft, or battery, you may be tempted to defend yourself, especially if you feel you were wrongfully accused. However, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney in St.. Petersburg who will work to protect your reputation and your future.
An attorney will walk you through each step of the legal proceedings, but there are a few specific areas they will navigate of which you may be unaware. An attorney will:
Investigate the Case
The state is charged with making an initial investigation of the case, however they often only hear from the police or an alleged victim prior to making a decision about whether to prosecute. A defense attorney in St. Petersburg will request all evidence from the state, review the evidence, and fully consider all aspects of the case to present to a jury and judge.
Many times, defense attorneys are able to subpoena records that may serve as a defense which the state may not have collected. A criminal defense attorney will communicate with the prosecuting attorneys to ensure that the State is aware of evidence helpful to the client. The attorney may also hire a private investigator as needed. Legal counsel will also work with expert witnesses who may assist in the case and share their findings in depositions, motion hearings, or at trial.
Plea Bargaining, Motions, and Trial
The role of a criminal defense attorney is to protect your best interests. In some cases, the attorney will seek to resolve the case through a plea bargain designed to avoid or minimize incarceration. In other cases, it is appropriate to litigate by filing motions to suppress or exclude evidence due to unlawful governmental actions, seek a dismissal of the charge based on a lack of evidence, or contest the evidence at a jury trial
It is vital to work with an attorney who strongly believes that every individual is innocent until proven guilty, and who will fight to protect you. Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan will work to establish the best defenses and seek to get clients’ charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed, if possible. In order to ensure that your case results in the best possible outcome, our attorneys will closely assess the circumstances of your case, answer any questions, and offer you knowledgeable legal advice.
For a free consultation with a defense attorney in St. Petersburg, please contact Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.