Being charged with a crime can turn your life into chaos. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime there is a potential for you to go to jail and potentially face hefty fines. In some cases, there may even be additional penalties attached to the charges.
Prosecutors have one job – to find you guilty. They are aggressive and can be ruthless in their prosecution. You should never have to face criminal charges on your own.
If you have been charged with a crime, contact a criminal defense attorney in Pomona CA to protect your rights as someone accused of a crime.
What To Expect When You Have Been Charged With A Crime
If you have been arrested for any type of crime, you can expect the following to take place:
Bail Hearing
Depending on the charges against you, there may be a bail hearing to let you out of jail after your arrest. The amount of bail needed to get out of jail will depend on the seriousness of the crime. Some lesser charges may not require bail, just a guarantee that you will return for your court hearing.
Evidence Gathering
Between the time you were arrested and your trial, the prosecution will begin to gather evidence about the crime. They need to find as much evidence as possible to prove their case to the court and jury. You should have legal representation during this time.
Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney
Regardless of the crime you are being charged with, having legal representation from a criminal defense attorney in Pomona is advisable. Your attorney knows the laws and can help you build the best defense for the charges against you.
Plea Bargaining and Negotiations
Your defense attorney and the prosecution may start a negotiation process to end the case before it goes to trial. This can be in the form of a plea bargain, where you admit guilt to a lesser crime or to the actual crime with lesser penalties, or your attorney may negotiate for lesser charges to be held against you instead of the original charge.
Your attorney will only negotiate in a way that is beneficial to you and your case. Any deals that they are offered or make must be approved by you before they can go through. If no agreements are made, the case will go to trial.
Trial
You go before the court and a jury to have the facts of your case heard. Both sides of the issue will present evidence, witnesses and cross-examine the witnesses of the other party. The jury will decide the final charges against you and if you are guilty or not. Once the jury decides, the judge will finalize the case. The outcome of the trial is binding.
Things To Remember After Being Arrested
If you are being investigated for a crime or have been recently charged and arrested, there are a few recommendations that you should follow to protect your rights as the accused.
You Have The Right To Remain Silent – Use This Right
You have the right to remain silent, and it is a right you should willfully use. Be polite with the police officers and provide simple information like name and address and how you can be contacted. After that, politely request an attorney before you are questioned.
Remember: Everything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law. Even if something sounds innocent or simple, your statement can be twisted against you. Always have an attorney present when facing your accusers.
Hold Your Temper
Being arrested and charged with a crime is a very emotional experience. It is easy to become angry and upset by the entire situation. It is very important that you do not lose your temper or show anger in any way because this looks bad for your case. We understand you are frustrated and upset, but keep it in until you get home.
Avoid Social Media
You will want to avoid posting anything on social media from the date of the original arrest until your case is completed. This includes any details about your arrest, the charges against you, and especially your opinion about the entire situation.
You will also want to avoid posting personal stuff on social media, pictures or even forwarding items that you have received in your feed. Why? Because the prosecution is actively monitoring your social media account and looking for anything that they can use to prove their point.
Speak To A Pomona Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have been accused of a crime or have already been arrested, protect your rights and speak with a defense attorney at LG Law Center. Contact LG Law Center today for a free case consultation.
It is important that you remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Give yourself the best chance to prove your innocence by having quality criminal defense representation.
Your attorney has the knowledge and experience to build a great defense for the charges against you. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney represent your side of the case ensures that you will get the best possible outcome to the situation.