Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Whether it’s a felony or misdemeanor, the outcome can affect one’s reputation and freedom. There are several proven strategies for beating a criminal case, but the first step is to hire a knowledgeable attorney who understands the law and knows how to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Identifying Legal Issues
A top Long Beach criminal lawyer can conduct an independent review of the police report, evidence, and witness statements to spot inconsistencies or constitutional violations that could lead to suppression of evidence or dismissal of the charges. For example, a lawyer can challenge the search of a person or their property, arguing that it was conducted without probable cause in violation of the Fourth Amendment and thus, is inadmissible.
Defense Strategy
A criminal lawyer can help a client beat a case by demonstrating lack of criminal intent, which is required for most crimes. For instance, if a person accidentally killed someone or stole something they thought was theirs, they can argue that they did not have the intention to commit a crime.
A good criminal attorney can also make sure that the accused person is charged with a crime they actually committed and not a crime they allegedly tried to commit. In many cases, this can reduce the penalties for a conviction. A lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or have them dropped entirely.