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Q: Why do I need a lawyer? A:
Hiring a lawyer is the best way
to defend yourself. When you are arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony, you face the
possibility of a jail sentence. Mandatory treatment programs, probation
and even expensive fines are also a very real possibility. Misdemeanor and
felony convictions go on your record and may affect your ability to gain
employment or be awarded a promotion.
Your attorney will be dedicated to planning the best defense available.
Hiring an attorney to represent you
ensures that you have someone on your side who understands the specific
legal elements of your case. Lawyers are committed to knowing the possible
penalties you face as well as alternatives to jail time.
The legal system is not an environment that is set up to assist
anyone who wishes to defend themselves. It is a complex structure of laws
and procedures that an attorney has spent his education and career
studying. Beyond understanding the language, severity and nuances of the
law, an attorney is committed to protecting your rights in court and
defending your freedom.
Call 1-800-NOT GUILTY as soon as possible after your arrest to
contact an attorney in your area who can give you the insight you need
during one of the most unpleasant times in your life.
Criminal
Sentencing Statistics: From the U.S.
Department of Justice ~ Office of Justice Programs ~ Bureau of Justice
Statistics -
In
2000, 68% of all felons convicted in State courts were sentenced to a
period of confinement. -
Felons
sentenced to
a State prison in 2000 had an average sentence of 4 1/2 years
and were likely to serve 55% of that sentence. -
The
average sentence to
a local jail was just over 6 months. The average
probation sentence was about 3 years. -
Besides
being sentenced to incarceration or probation, 39% or more of convicted
felons were
also ordered to pay a fine, pay victim restitution, receive
treatment, perform community service, or comply with some other additional
penalty. A fine was imposed on at least 25% of convicted felons. Consequences
of a Felony Conviction*:
In addition to the stigma associated with a felony conviction and
the strain it can put on your personal and business relationships,
convicted felons can also lose certain rights and privileges as well as
encounter hardship in a number of everyday tasks. Did you know that you
could: -
lose
the right to vote, hold public office or run for office? -
lose
the ability to possess firearms? -
lose
a professional license or permit or be prevented from obtaining one? -
lose
a Federal or military pension? -
lose
public assistance benefits? -
be
denied employment? -
not
be allowed to enter the armed forces? -
be
disqualified from serving in any of a wide range of capacities relating to
labor organization or employee benefits plan? -
lose
or be denied the right to hold a passport? *
laws affecting What to Expect
When Contacting an Attorney: -
Even
during an initial consultation, you are protected by attorney-client
privilege. This means that what you tell an attorney is private and
protected by law. -
Expect
the attorney to ask you a lot of questions about your background and the
specifics of your arrest. Be honest with them. The more information they
have, the better equipped they are to plan an aggressive defense for you. -
Expect
the attorney to explain what the next step or steps involved in your
specific case might be. |
