Alpena Criminal Defense Lawyer

When arrested and charged with a crime, it can feel like the walls are closing in around you. Whether you are charged with a major felony or a minor misdemeanor, a conviction can reverberate through your life and pose challenges for years to come. Of course, just because you have been arrested, that does not mean you will be convicted.

The best way to fight back against a charge is by hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Alpena, MI. At White Law PLLC, we have the necessary knowledge to help you in your attempt to beat the charges against you. Our team of criminal defense attorneys can advise you of your rights and build your case to help you defend against the charges you face.

Why Should I Hire an Alpena Criminal Defense Attorney?

The right to legal representation is an essential part of our legal system. It doesn’t matter if you are innocent or guilty of the crime for which you have been charged; you have the right to retain legal counsel. To ensure justice is carried out, it is critical that both sides have the ability to build the strongest case possible.

When you hire a criminal defense attorney in Alpena, MI, they will take several steps to ensure you are in the best position to beat the charges you face. Some of the actions you can expect your lawyer to take on your behalf include:

• Conducting their own investigation into the crime for which you were arrested
• Negotiating with the prosecution to have the charges against you dropped or reduced
• Building a strong defense on your behalf
• Arguing your case in court

How to Protect Yourself After an Arrest

Following an arrest, you must avoid mistakes that could cause you more problems. The best actions you can take to protect yourself include:

• Being polite
• Keeping quiet
• Consulting an attorney

Being Polite

You should avoid arguing or fighting with a law enforcement officer when they are placing you under arrest, as doing so can make beating the charge against you more challenging. In fact, if you put up too much of a struggle, you could be charged with the additional crime of resisting arrest.

Keeping Quiet

When an arresting officer reads you your rights, they will inform you of your right to remain silent. Taking full advantage of this right is essential. Whether you are guilty or innocent of the crime for which you have been arrested, speaking without a lawyer present can always be used against you.

Consulting an Attorney

One of the most critical things you can do to help yourself after an arrest is to consult an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint you a public defender. Although these lawyers can be capable enough, they are typically overworked. Because of that, they will likely try and negotiate a plea deal as quickly as possible.

If you can afford to hire an attorney, doing so will greatly increase your chances of beating the charge against you. Even if you do end up taking a plea deal, the terms of the agreement will likely be much better than a deal you would have got with a public defender.

What Are the Steps of a Criminal Defense Trial?

From the time a crime is committed until the court has handed down a ruling, there are a variety of procedures that must be followed. Knowing what to expect if you have been arrested can help you feel you have some control during this challenging time. Here is a basic rundown of the process and the stages you will likely face:

• Investigation
• Arrest
• Charging
• Arraignment
• Discovery
• Plea bargaining
• Preliminary hearing
• Pre-trial motions
• Trial
• Post-trial motions
• Sentencing

An experienced attorney can walk you through all the steps to ensure you fully understand what to expect as your case progresses through the legal system.

What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Will Do for You

After you hire an Alpena criminal defense attorney, there are several actions you can expect them to take on your behalf. Some of the things you can expect your lawyer to do include:

• Conducting an independent investigation into the crime for which you have been accused
• Working to get you out on bail
• Fighting against the evidence presented by the prosecutor
• Attempting to negotiate a deal to get the charges you face dropped or reduced
• Building your defense
• Presenting your case at trial

How Expunging Your Record Can Help

If you are eligible, expunging a conviction from your record can make life a lot easier. Certain conditions must be met to expunge a conviction, and not all crimes can be expunged. However, if you meet the requirements, taking this step can help with:

• Securing employment
• Getting housing
• Receiving approval for a loan
• Avoiding social problems

If you have a conviction on your record, it will show up anytime someone runs a background check on you. These checks are routinely run by potential employers, landlords, rental agencies, banks, and other money lenders. Although a conviction may not automatically disqualify you, it will certainly decrease your odds of receiving approval in any of these ventures.

Furthermore, if you don’t want your social circle to know about your conviction, expunging your record is imperative. With the ease of looking up the criminal record of anyone on the internet, it is bound to get out sooner or later.

If you qualify to expunge a conviction, it will no longer appear on any background check. An Alpena criminal defense lawyer can help you determine whether or not a conviction can be expunged.

Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

After an arrest, hiring a criminal defense lawyer is the best action you can take to give you a chance of beating the charges against you. At White Law PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys in Alpena have helped countless clients avoid a conviction or negotiate a plea deal that works in their favor.

Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.