| Spotlight on Criminal Defense | March, 2007 |
Child Molestation Law Michael Devlin, a 41 year old Missouri man, has been formally indicted by the Grand Jury for the abduction and molestation of two young boys. Devlin now faces 75 state charges which are punishable by life in prison as well as other federal charges...Read more>> | |
If you feel you have been a victim, contact a lawyer in your area now. | |
When people are accused of a crime, they face the terrible possibility of going to jail. A good attorney can represent anyone committed with a crime to the best of his or her ability. They can negotiate with prosecutors and can often arrange for reduced charges or lesser sentencing.
Criminal defense lawyers do much more than simply question witnesses in court. Good defense attorneys will:
- Formulate sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the justice system.
- Provide defendants with a reality check, a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their cases go to trial. This perspective is vital for defendants trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor's offered "plea bargain".
- Are familiar with important legal rules because many criminal law rules are hidden away in court interpretations of federal and state constitutions.
- Are familiar with local court customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere (for example, a lawyer may know which prosecutor has the "real" authority to settle a case, and what kinds of arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor).
- Understand the possible "hidden costs" of pleading
guilty which a self-represented person might never
think about.
- Spend crucial time on your case.
- Gather information from prosecution witnesses.
- Hire and manage investigators, who may be able to believably impeach (contradict) prosecution witnesses who embellish or change their stories at trial.
Finding a Defense Attorney
When faced with charges, trying to find the right lawyer, quickly, may feel overwhelming.
People who have been recently arrested need to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The most urgent priority is often getting a lawyer to help arrange release and provide some information about what's to come in the days ahead.
Kerry Steigerwalt is recognized throughout San Diego as a leading criminal defense attorney and is highly respected by members of the city's legal community. Steigerwalt and Associates, a full service criminal defense law firm, has the experience and resources to represent clients in all types of criminal cases throughout San Diego County, and in all courts - both state and federal. The firm has proven success in the full spectrum of criminal law areas; from shoplifting to capital murder, DUI drunk driving to robbery, homicide to sex offenses (prostitution, sexual harassment), and assault and battery to drug crimes.
