Robert C. Thompson, Jr., Esq. provides legal representation for all criminal offenses from county ordinance violations to Punishable By Life Felonies. Commonly charged offenses include:
DUI, DUI Property Damage, DUI over .20, Felony DUI, DUI Manslaughter, Driving While License Suspended, Driving While License Suspended for Habitual Revocation (HTO)Possession/Sale/Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession/Sale of Cocaine, Possession/Sale of a Controlled Substance, Trafficking, Criminal Mischief, Felony Criminal Mischief, Unlawful Sale of Alcohol, Petit Theft, Grand Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Worthless Check, Uttering a Forged Instrument, Robbery, Burglary, Battery, Domestic Battery, Felony Battery, Aggravated Battery, Fleeing to Elude, Aggravated Fleeing to Elude, as well as Juvenile Offenses, Juvenile Delinquency and Violations of Probation and Community Control.THE CHARGING STAGE
Chances are, you have been charged because a Law Enforcement Officer, either through observation or investigation, believes that you are guilty of committing a crime. Before you were arrested, it is unlikely that you had the opportunity to conduct your own investigation in support of your defense or to collect witness statements to present your side of the story.
Fortunately, it's not too late. Prior to your Arraignment, the State Attorney's Office will review your case and decide what charges, if any, to file. In many cases, a criminal defense attorney familiar with the facts of your case can contact the Prosecutor prior to charges being filed and present your side of the story. With this information, the Prosecutor is able to make an informed filing decision which may result in the charges being reduced or dropped.
Additionally, there may be legal issues which can be raised by the criminal defense attorney that would prevent the State from filing charges. If your rights were violated, or if evidence was seized illegally, the State may be prevented from using some or all of the evidence against you. Without this evidence, the State may lack a legal basis to file charges.
TRIAL OR PLEA?
In the event that formal charges are filed against you, an experienced criminal defense attorney can assist you in the defense of your case and work to negotiate a resolution your behalf. Should you decide to enter a plea of guilty or no contest, you will need to fully understand the real-life consequences of doing so. For example, being convicted of a drug charge can result in the suspension of your driver's license. Additionally, a felony conviction can result in the loss of civil rights and may require you to submit a DNA sample to a criminal database.
Although most cases are resolved by plea agreement, sometimes it is necessary to go to trial. If you elect to take your case to trial, you will need an attorney who is experienced, accessible and willing to dedicate the time necessary to you and your witnesses in order to appropriately prepare your case for trial.
