Sometimes innocent people go to prison. Other times, someone who is guilty of committing a crime does not have to go to jail. No matter whether you are innocent or guilty, if you are arrested or accused of committing a crime, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer, like a lawyer from Tuttle Law, as soon as possible. You do not want to speak with anyone regarding your charge, as anything you say may be used against you in court.
Jail Time Will Depend on the Crime
There are different punishments for different crimes. These also vary from state to state, which is why it is crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer from the state you were charged in. A lawyer will know the ins and outs of the state law, which will also be useful when arguing your innocence. Your lawyer will know how to speak to the judge presiding over your case if you are, in fact, guilty. There may be ways to get the charge stricken from your record or lessened if you plead guilty. In other cases, you may be able to argue that you did not realize you were committing a crime.
You May Be Innocent
People can get in trouble for doing something that they never did. This is a horrible injustice that needs to be fought. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will know how to navigate through a situation like this and determine what the next best steps will be. He or she may look through things like your phone records or other alabais to show that you were innocent of what you are being accused of.
Contact a Lawyer Right Away
No matter what, you need legal assistance. Your lawyer will be able to look for evidence to prove your innocence, negotiate a punishment for the crime, and even make sure that you do not have a criminal record moving forward. All of this is incredibly important, as being convicted of a crime is a serious offense. Your lawyer will do his or her best to protect your freedoms and make sure that you have a fair trial. You may be concerned about the expense of having a lawyer on your side, but this is really nothing when it comes to preserving your freedom. A lawyer will likely find a way to work with your budget and the legal expenses are far less than the criminal charges that may follow.