Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact a criminal lawyer for straightforward answers to your questions on criminal defense matters.
Q: I was just arrested, what should I do now?
A: What you do next can greatly affect the final conclusion to your criminal charges. Your life as you would like to lead it and your freedoms are at risk. Without hard-hitting and knowledgeable representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney, you face steep fines, community service, suspended licenses, probation, restitution to alleged victims, a permanent criminal record and long terms in jail or prison. Your first actions should be to remain silent and call a lawyer from Zeliff | Watson to begin criminal defense actions on your behalf.
Q: If I've been charged, what rights do I still have?
A: As American citizens, we enjoy certain Constitutional rights which are not to be violated. Our Team at Zeliff | Watson are experts on examining your case for any violation of rights that may have occurred and know exactly how to leverage these violations in your defense. If the arresting officers asked you any questions after your arrest, and in other certain circumstances, you should have been read your Miranda rights. Violations of Miranda rights, as well as other search and seizure violations, can have charges reduced or dismissed if argued effectively. After an arrest, the Constitution requires that you have an attorney of your choosing to defend your case throughout the justice system. Our firm is here to utilize all of our hard-won experience to fight to protect your rights.
Q: At this point, should I just do what the police or prosecutor says?
A: Our advice would be a definite and emphatic "No!" Our years of success have proven that your best chance for a favorable result is to mount an effective defense. Mistakes by the police or prosecution, insufficient or faulty evidence, our ability to cause doubt regarding your guilt, negotiations to reduce charges and thus penalties and many more actions can be done to improve your situation.
Q: Am I being charged with a misdemeanor or felony and what is the difference?
A: Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses, punished by less severe fines and terms of incarceration. Shoplifting and minor drug, theft, sex or domestic violence crimes can all be charged as misdemeanors, as well as many DUI offenses. Frequently, our firm can get alternative sentencing for a misdemeanor conviction that will keep you out of jail. Felony charges are reserved for violent crimes such as murder, battery, rape and more extreme drug, theft and other crimes. These are usually penalized by steep fines and lengthy prison sentences.
