When charged or arrested for a crime in Edmond, you may have many questions on your mind. Of course, this is a terrifying time, but you cannot afford to lose sight of the legal process and the likely consequences. In your best interests, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer at the earliest. Let’s learn more about teaming up with an attorney in this post.
Common types of criminal charges
- Domestic violence: If your spouse has accused you of domestic violence, you could face assault and related charges, and a first conviction would be treated as a misdemeanor, provided there was no weapon involved. Subsequent cases are treated as felony.
- Drug charges and DUI: If you are found in possession of drugs, such as marijuana or other illegal substances, you will face charges, which are largely based on the amount of substance found. Similarly, Oklahoma has serious laws in place for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Even when blood alcohol content is below the standard 0.08 percent, you could face conviction. Conviction can mean jail time, losing your driving license, and fines.
- White collar crimes: Examples of white-collar crimes include counterfeiting, embezzlement, fraud, and forgery, and these can carry severe penalties as other crimes.
- Probation violations: If you are under probation, you should adhere to all the rules. Violating the order could have serious repercussions.
There are also other criminal charges, such as theft, murder, and burglary, which are treated very seriously in the state.
Why do you need a criminal defense lawyer?
Without a criminal defense lawyer, you are pretty much up against the prosecution alone. You have the right to ask for an attorney after your arrest, following which the questioning should stop. Your lawyer will do the following for you –
- Evaluate the charges you are facing and understand the situation
- Check the available evidence and gather evidence from other sources
- Explain the various defense strategies you can consider
- Outline the legal options
- Fight for your rights and represent you in court
Hiring a capable attorney allows you to explore all ways to defend yourself and get the best possible outcome. While you can find numerous resources online on how to beat charges, nothing compares to the experience and expertise of an attorney. Also, no two criminal cases are the same, which means you cannot rely on strategies that someone else may have used.
Choosing & collaborating with a criminal lawyer in Edmond
First, choose an attorney who has experience with similar types of cases. A lawyer may have credible expertise at handling white collar crimes but lack the same kind of experience with DUI cases. You need to check what the attorney has done so far, for which you have to meet them and ask about the recent successes and case outcomes.
If you want an attorney to help you, ensure you are honest with them and share all relevant details and evidence. For instance, if you have committed the crime, the lawyer may focus on a plea bargain. Also, let them know if your rights have been violated in any manner, which can help with the defense.
The circumstances surrounding your arrest are crucial, and it is best to describe everything without losing sight of minute elements. Your lawyer may suggest the dos and don’ts you must follow in this situation.
Final word
Ideally, you must engage with a criminal defense attorney in Edmond as soon as you are arrested. The lawyer will have more time to work on the case and find solid evidence. The lawyer will also talk to witnesses and other experts when required to strengthen your case.
