How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights in NYC

  • Post author:
You are currently viewing How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights in NYC

The New York Police Department recorded grand larceny as the major crime in New York City as of January 2024, with 4,056 cases, fueled by organized pickpocket teams and individual “lush workers,” who often target intoxicated or sleeping victims in the subway.

What if you are wrongfully accused of a crime? According to the lawyers from Edwards Law, PLLC, it is equally important that you seek legal counsel as if you carried out the crime. When the prosecution presses charges against you, they are convinced they can convict you. You do not want to put your trust in uncertainty.

Let’s dig deep in this article about what you can do when you find yourself in this circumstance and how the support of a criminal defense lawyer is exactly what you need.  

Legal Representation from Arrest to Trial

Criminal case lawyer Michael Vitaliano says that when facing criminal charges in NYC, hiring a criminal defense lawyer can provide substantial legal representation from arrest to trial.

From the moment you’re arrested, a skilled defense attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy. Your lawyer will guide you through police questioning, ensuring that your statements are made in accordance with the law. He or she will also advocate for your release on bail if necessary, striving to minimize the time you spend in custody.

Throughout the pre-trial phase, your attorney will investigate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate with the district attorney for a favorable plea deal, if appropriate.

As your case moves towards trial, your lawyer will continue to advocate for your best interests in court, presenting legal arguments and evidence to support your defense.

Expertise in Criminal Law

As your criminal defense lawyer in NYC, having expertise in criminal law allows for a comprehensive understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding your case. A skilled defense attorney will be well-versed in the laws relevant to your case, including statutes, precedents, and court procedures. This is a critical skill in dealing with legalities. 

With a deep understanding of criminal law, your attorney can analyze the evidence against you, identify any potential legal defenses, and develop a strategic approach to best represent you. This expertise enables them to anticipate the prosecution’s arguments, challenge questionable evidence, and advocate on your behalf effectively.

Furthermore, a lawyer with expertise in criminal law will have experience handling cases similar to yours, giving them insights into what strategies are most likely to succeed. By leveraging his or her knowledge and skills, your attorney can work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Negotiating Plea Deals

In negotiating plea deals, your criminal defense lawyer will work diligently to secure the most favorable outcome for your case. He or she will assess the evidence against you, evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, and consider any mitigating factors that could influence the plea negotiation process. Your lawyer will leverage their knowledge of the law and experience in negotiating with prosecutors to advocate for a plea deal that minimizes the potential consequences you may face.

During plea negotiations, your lawyer will communicate with the prosecutor to explore the possibility of reducing charges, lowering penalties, or seeking alternative sentencing options. He or she may also negotiate for diversion programs or rehabilitation opportunities that could benefit you in the long run. Your lawyer will keep you informed throughout the negotiation process, explaining the terms of any proposed plea deal and advising you on the best course of action based on your individual circumstances.

Protecting Against Unlawful Evidence

To safeguard your rights and ensure a fair trial, your criminal defense lawyer will employ strategic tactics to challenge and exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence presented against you. Your lawyer will carefully review the circumstances surrounding the collection of evidence in your case. If there’s any indication that the evidence was obtained through illegal search and seizure, coercion, or other violations of your rights, your lawyer will file motions to suppress such evidence in court.

Your defense attorney will also scrutinize the chain of custody for any physical evidence to ensure its integrity and authenticity. Any lapses or inconsistencies in the handling of evidence can be used to question its reliability during trial. Your lawyer will strive to prevent unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you, strengthening your defense and protecting your rights throughout the legal process by raising objections and presenting compelling arguments.

Trust in your lawyer’s expertise to deal with the legal aspect and advocate for your best interests in challenging unlawful evidence.

Advocating for Fair Sentencing

Your defense lawyer will advocate for fair sentencing by presenting compelling arguments and mitigating factors to ensure a just outcome in your case. During the sentencing phase, your lawyer will strive to highlight any factors that may warrant a more lenient sentence, such as your lack of prior criminal history, contributions to the community, or extenuating circumstances surrounding the offense.

Your lawyer can make a strong case for a fair and reasonable sentence by effectively communicating these mitigating factors to the judge. Your defense attorney may also challenge any aggravating factors presented by the prosecution that could potentially lead to a harsher sentence. This could involve questioning the validity of certain evidence or presenting evidence that refutes the prosecution’s claims.

The goal is to secure a sentencing decision that takes into account all relevant factors and ensures that you’re treated fairly under the law. Trust your defense lawyer to fight diligently on your behalf for a just outcome in the sentencing phase of your case.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in a legal predicament in NYC, don’t hesitate to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer. He or she will provide you with the necessary legal representation from arrest to trial, utilizing his or her expertise in criminal law to protect your rights. He or she can negotiate plea deals, protect against unlawful evidence, and advocate for fair sentencing. You can have peace of mind knowing your rights are being protected with a skilled lawyer on your side.