If You've Been Arrested, You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
No matter what the circumstances of your arrest are, it is crucial that you hire a Portland criminal defense attorney. Whether you are positive the court will find you innocent or guilty, these situations are never as clear-cut as they appear. It is the prosecutor’s job to make defendants appear as guilty as possible, and the truth often gets obscured by overly aggressive rhetoric. There is always more to a criminal case than what appears on the surface, and it is your attorney’s job to ensure that your side of the story is told and protect you from unjust charges.
Criminal defense cases we handle include:
We Also Handle Appeals
In some cases, you can appeal a verdict after it has been rendered if there is evidence that your trial was mishandled. Our team handles appeal cases in Maine's Supreme Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. We have successfully reversed court verdicts for several criminal cases.
You only have a short amount of time to appeal a verdict, so if this is the route you want to go be sure to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Our team can review your case and help you decide if you are eligible for an appeal.
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do
A criminal defense attorney is a legal professional who specializes in defending individuals and organizations charged with criminal offenses. Their primary role is to provide legal representation to their clients throughout the criminal justice process. Here are some key responsibilities and actions that a criminal defense attorney may undertake:
- Legal Advice: A criminal defense attorney advises their clients on their legal rights, options, and potential outcomes based on the specific charges they are facing.
- Case Analysis: They thoroughly analyze the facts and evidence related to the case to develop a strategic defense strategy. This may involve reviewing police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other relevant documents.
- Negotiation: In some cases, a defense attorney may negotiate with prosecutors to reach a plea bargain, which could result in reduced charges or penalties for their client. They advocate for the best possible outcome on behalf of their client.
- Court Representation: A defense attorney represents their client in court proceedings, including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial motions, trial proceedings, and sentencing hearings. They present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue legal points to defend their client's interests.
- Legal Research and Preparation: Attorneys conduct legal research to understand relevant laws, precedents, and case strategies that may apply to their client's case. They also prepare legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and appeals, to support their defense strategy.
- Client Advocacy: Defense attorneys advocate for their clients' rights and interests throughout the legal process. They ensure that their clients are treated fairly by law enforcement, prosecutors, and the court.
- Investigation: Attorneys may conduct their own investigations to gather evidence or witness testimony that supports their client's defense. This could involve hiring investigators or experts to assist in building a strong defense.
- Appeals: If a client is convicted, a defense attorney may handle the appeals process to challenge the conviction or sentence based on legal errors or new evidence that could impact the case.
Overall, a criminal defense attorney works diligently to protect their client's rights, provide a vigorous defense, and achieve the best possible outcome in their criminal case.
