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CRIMINAL LAW . . .
For most people, familiarity with criminal law comes in fragments -- from Law and Order, CSI or other media sources. But when we become personally involved in the criminal law system, real-life issues come into focus and the need for information and assistance can arise quickly. It is at this point that it becomes important to find an experienced Criminal Lawyer to assist you.
The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense. When all is said and done, there may be no legal consequence for a person charged with a crime, because the charges are dismissed, or a full-fledged jury trial might result in a criminal conviction.
Some potential outcomes of a criminal case are:
- A criminal investigation ends with no arrest.
- An arrest occurs, but the case is dismissed because the police illegally seized the only evidence of crime.
- A person is arrested and charged with a crime, then enters into a plea bargain with the government, agreeing to plead "guilty" in exchange for some form of leniency, such as a lighter sentence.
- A person is brought to trial and found "not guilty," or acquitted, by a jury.
- A person is convicted by a jury and sentenced to a long prison term.
- A person is convicted by a jury and sentenced to die.
Among the most important "hot button" criminal issues are DWI charges. These charges are vigorously pursued by local law enforcement officers and District Attorney's alike and can carry serious penalties including:
- Loss of driving privileges
- Incarceration
- Monetary fines
- Community service requirements
- Drug and Alcohol Counseling
- Requirements for alcohol sensing equipment to be placed on an automobile.
A person can be convicted of DWI in one of two ways. (1) By poor performance on Field Sobriety Testing (i.e. walk and turn test, 1 leg stand test etc.) and (2) By machine determination of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) through the use of an "intoxilizer" machine.
It is important to remember that every citizen has the right to refuse to perform field sobriety tests and/or refuse to submit to a blood alcohol analysis (intoxilizer). Such a refusal will lead to the loss of one's license for a period of time but may increase a defendant's chances at trial.
In this complicated environment of criminal charges it is important to have an attorney with experience and the legal knowledge to protect your interests. Mr. Charles Alexander II and Mr. Benjamin Porter are both board certified specialists in criminal law and practice in both Federal and State Courts. Additionally, Mr. John C. Vermitsky, our newest associate also actively represents clients in criminal proceedings of all varieties and uses his ability to speak Spanish to assist diverse members of the local community.
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