Why Hire a Criminal Attorney When Served a TRO

To protect a victim of domestic violence against further harm, a court may issue an order of protection such as a temporary restraining order (TRO). Violation of such a court order can spell serious consequences for the accused, including arrest and penalties for contempt. Since, however, a TRO can be easily issued by the court for certain grounds, chances are it can be misused.

Skilled Criminal Attorneys Can Fight Injustice

Our courts aren’t infallible. There are people in jail who have been imprisoned for a crime they didn’t commit, and in need of people to pursue their quest for freedom. For example, Mary Virginia Jones was sentenced to a life sentence 32 years ago. However, she’s now free with the help of Fort Lauderdale criminal attorneys.

Illegal Arrest as a Defense for a Drug Charge

In Florida, being convicted of drug possession with intent to sell is subject to severe penalties. Often, the offenders’ punishment is decided based on the type of the drug. For instance, individuals convicted of possession with intent to sell marijuana are likely to serve a maximum jail time of five years, while individuals convicted of possession with intent to sell cocaine are likely to serve a maximum jail time of 15 years.

Innocence and Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The Bill of Rights guarantees that every accused is deemed innocent of the crime he is charged with unless evidence is presented to prove otherwise. In criminal law, we often hear the term “beyond reasonable doubt”. This is the standard or the burden of proof that prosecutors must present and defense lawyers must refute. This is also the same standard that judges and jurors must use to weigh in the evidences and testimonies presented before them to arrive at either a guilty or a not guilty verdict.

In a country of laws like the United States, prosecutors must present substantial evidence that can lead judges and jurors to no other logical explanation but deduce that the crimes have resulted from the actions of the defendant. No judicial body or court of law will ever convict a person for a crime where the prosecution banks on circumstantial evidences or on the weakness of the defense.

In our criminal justice system, considerations for conviction or acquittal are not given whether the court doubts the innocence of the accused, but whether it does not or does entertain reasonable doubt as to his guilt. Prosecutors must present strong evidence to get a guilty verdict as it needs to pass the test of moral certainty. The slightest possibility of an innocent man being convicted of a crime he may not have committed would be far dreadful than letting a guilty person go unpunished for crimes he may have done.

How to Pick a Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawyers have important roles to play in many human activities. People consult one when writing a new will or when needing to file an insurance claim on an accident. In these cases, you need an attorney skilled in civil law. However, when you’re hauled into court for a criminal charge, it will be better to have someone specializing in criminal law to handle your case.

When looking to pick a criminal defense lawyer, you should look at three things: local representation, case experience, and personal comfort. When a case is being tried in a particular location, your lawyer should be familiar with the laws and procedures unique in your state. He should be aware of certain predilections of judges and prosecutors relevant to the case. There could be a prosecutor who likes to make deals. Choose an attorney who’ll know the ins and outs of the legal game in the location where the case will be heard.

The attorney you choose should also have a track record of having successfully defended a case like yours, whether it is driving under the influence, or manslaughter. Experience counts, and a lawyer who knows how to handle your case would make things run somewhat smoother for you.

It’s also important that you’re comfortable with your lawyer. Your lawyer is going to be your best friend for the duration of your trial. This means you need to be comfortable with him prying into your own business, and be able to open up to him. You two are partners in the case and to win you need to find him agreeable, at the very least.