Being arrested or charged with a crime can be overwhelming and cause a great deal of stress if you are unsure of the proper steps to take. Following an arrest, there are a few key things to remember. First, if you have been arrested, it is essential to hire a criminal defense lawyer to fight for your best interest. While the officials involved in your arrest may give you information or instructions, it is important to remember that a prosecutor’s job is not to provide advice to a person arrested or charged with a crime. Generally, prosecutors work closely with law enforcement officers because they have similar interests. The job of the prosecutor is to file charges against individuals who have committed a criminal offense, they are not defense attorneys. It is not common for prosecutors to speak with people who have been arrested or charged with a crime, however if they do, anything said to a prosecutor by a person who has been arrested for a criminal offense or has a criminal case pending, can be used against them in court. Similarly, a judge is prohibited from providing a person with legal advice. As you can see, the legal process is complex and there are many factors at play. So, where do you start?
If you have been arrested, you may be required to post a bond in order to be released from jail. This bond can be posted by paying cash or by hiring a bail bondsman. A person can pay a bail bondsman a percentage of the total amount of the bond. For example, if the bond amount is $5,000.00, a person may be able to pay the bail bondsman $500.00 instead of $5,000.00 to be released from jail. If you use a bail bondsman to post bail, you will not receive your money back.
It is possible that you may be released from jail without having to post a bond. This may occur if you were arrested, but no criminal charges were filed within the first twenty-four hours. Or you may be able to obtain a release from jail through a recognizance bond. Generally, you will need a lawyer to assist you with obtaining a recognizance bond.
It is very important to hire a criminal lawyer who has experience handling the type of case for which you have been arrested or criminally charged. Not all criminal lawyers have the same experience. For example, handling a driving while intoxicated case in state court is different than handling a felon in possession of a firearm offense in federal court. The internet is a useful tool when conducting your lawyer search. It can also be beneficial to reach out to family and friends for a referral. It is crucial to speak to any lawyer that you are considering in order to make sure you are comfortable moving forward and having that lawyer represent you.
Choosing the right lawyer may also depend on your desired case resolution. Some criminal lawyers have substantially more trial experience than other lawyers. Some criminal lawyers may negotiate or attempt to plea bargain all of their cases. If you are not guilty of the offense, you may want to proceed with a trial, in which case, you should hire a lawyer who has trial experience.
The cost or expense of a lawyer varies depending on a number of different factors. One factor that affects the expense of the case is the type. Is the case a misdemeanor or a felony? Felony cases involve a greater degree of risk to the client because felony cases have more severe consequences, including prison time. Generally, federal cases are also more complex. It is common for a criminal lawyer to charge more money if the case is more complicated.
The location of the case can also affect the amount a lawyer may charge for representation. Some lawyers will charge more money if they have to travel for court. The farther a lawyer has to travel for court, the more money they may charge. For example, you might save yourself money hiring a lawyer that is closer to the location of your case instead of several hours away. However, sometimes, a person can benefit from hiring a lawyer with more experience handling their case type, even if the cost of travel is greater.
Another significant factor that affects the expense of the case is whether the case will proceed to trial. Trials involve a great amount of work, so criminal lawyers generally charge more money if the case proceeds to trial. You may not know whether your case is proceeding to trial at the time of your arrest. During the course of your representation, your lawyer may learn additional information regarding the possibility of a trial and share that with you. It is important to discuss the potential expense of a trial before you hire a lawyer.
You must inform your criminal lawyer of everything you know about your arrest and the circumstances surrounding it. The job of your lawyer is to help you. Lying to your lawyer or providing misleading information only makes their job more difficult and could potentially make your case more expensive due to additional investigating of the statements you provided. The information you provide to your attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege. Your lawyer will not be sharing the information you provide with other people. The attorney-client privilege exists so that you can share information with your lawyer knowing that your lawyer cannot be compelled to share the information you provide to anyone else.
It is also important to avoid additional legal trouble after you have hired a lawyer. Being charged with another criminal offense while your lawyer is working on your current case only makes the attorney’s job more difficult. Your lawyer may also ask for your assistance in obtaining certain documents. Anything you can do to assist your lawyer is to your benefit.
Jefferson City criminal defense attorney Scott Hamblin has practiced criminal law for more than twenty years. He is a former prosecuting attorney and now uses that knowledge to zealously represent his clientele. Scott regularly represents individuals charged in both state and federal court and has tried numerous cases. Scott is the author of the Missouri DWI Law and Practice Deskbook, Second Edition, Chapter 1 – Chemical Test Refusal Cases. He is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The National Association of Trial Attorneys Top One Hundred Trial Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers. Scott also serves as a CJA Panel Attorney for the United States District Court, Western District of Missouri. Hiring an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney can make a world of difference when it comes to protecting your rights. Get in touch with Scott A. Hamblin today to discuss the details of your case.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
I was thoroughly impressed with Scott Hamblin and his team, Madasyn and Cameo, as they represented me in a very difficult case, involving multiple businesses and complexities. Scotts knowledge and expertise was invaluable. He and his team involved me every step of the way throughout the entire process. I was included in email correspondences, as…
Scott helped us with a very difficult situation with utmost professionalism and expertise. He was at all times very professional and considerate of our needs. He provided excelent advise.
I would highly recommend attorney Scott Hamblin. Mr. Hamblin was very easy to work with, explaining all my options as the case progressed. He took into consideration my priorities, what was most important to me, and skillfully negotiated them into an ideal settlement agreement. And his legal assistant, Madasyn, is such a delight to interact…
I came across Scott Hamblin on the internet and read his bio and was very impressed. I have not been disappointed with his knowledge and understanding. If you are in need of a great lawyer, this is the call to make. You will not regret hiring him. Thank you, Scott.
I called Mr. Hamblin to represent my family member. When we went in to have a meeting, Mr. Hamblin was very honest said he felt that he could represent him and help with the matter that he had been charged with. I was so glad that I had contacted Mr. Hamblin on this matter, because…
Scott Hamblin represented my son in a high-profile case. Scott was highly professional throughout the course of the proceedings, prompt and thorough in answering all of our questions and, most importantly, was very prepared when he represented my son in the courtroom, which resulted in a very favorable outcome. Our family cannot thank Scott enough…
I am so grateful that I hired him, he gave me hope to overcome my fear and anxiety. Now my case was dismissed because of his hard work. Thank you so much Attorney Scott. May God bless you, and keep continuing to save people's lives!!!
I got stuck between a rock and a hard place in my situation as was in need of help. Scott was appointed to be via public defender for a federal case and I could not have wished for a better lawyer and overall individual. He would show up for me while I was incarcerated on…
I had received some felony charges and Scott fought it every single step of the way (and then some) to a jury trial and did so well, I was found not guilty on all counts! It wouldn’t have been possible without him. I’ve had several lawyers in the past and he is no comparison to…
He did a great job on my federal case
Scott Hamblin is the best lawyer any money could buy. He has gotten my boyfriend out of going to prison for a probation violation for a DWI. He has had a couple offenses on him in the past and Scott saved him from a few years down and was able to get him in a…
My husband and I hired Mr. Hamblin for a criminal matter that happen to me by accident I had some issues that happen and I have never been in any trouble. However, I did some research on criminal defense attorneys and Mr. Hamblin's name appeared. I did some research on him and found that he…
Scott helped me through a very tough time, being charged with a crime I had no knowledge of was very frightening. Scott calmly walked me through the process with professional authority. His knowledge of the court system and its process proved to be a great asset. Scott has been my lawyer for multiple court issues,…
For accessible and experienced representation, contact attorney Scott Hamblin today.