Compared to other cities in the United States of America, Syracuse has a fairly low crime rate and is a relatively safe city to live in. However, this does not mean that no crimes occur in the city. No matter how safe a city is by national standards, people should always be careful and keep their wits about themselves.
Should you find yourself accused of a crime you did or did not commit, it can be a frightening experience. Hiring the right Syracuse criminal defense attorney can help ease the burden of the case by taking charge of your case and defending your rights. It is natural for good people to make mistakes, but you should not let these mistakes define you for the rest of your life. If you are wrongfully accused, you still need an experienced criminal lawyer at your side to ensure your rights are protected and your name is cleared.
Here are some situations when you should consider hiring a criminal defense attorney.
Self-Defense
Assault and battery charges are serious; if anyone has accused you of the same, you need to hire a lawyer immediately. Even when you’re acting in self-defense, the other person will not see it this way and press charges against you. To prove that you were acting in self-defense, you and your lawyer must convince the court that you were in grave danger without provoking the other person. You will also have to prove that there is no way you could have escaped the situation or done anything else to save yourself.
Defending Another Person
These cases are similar to those of self-defense. The only difference is that you knew someone would intentionally harm another person in this situation. The same things need to be proven to win the case.
Defending Your Property
If a person was squatting on your property, trespassing illegally, or breaking in, you might have unintentionally harmed the person to protect yourself and your home. An experienced criminal defense attorney can prove that you did so wanting to protect your belongings.
Carrying Drugs
The possession of drugs would carry hefty charges with it, especially if you were planning on selling them. The court won’t push severe charges against you if you are a first-time or low-level offender. Your defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal where you would help catch the supplier in exchange for your freedom. Drug charges can be dismissed if the lawyer can prove that an unlawful search was conducted if the drugs were not yours and you were being forced to carry the drugs.
When facing these charges, it is naïve to think you can win the case yourself. If the court finds you guilty of something you didn’t do, you will face jail time. Furthermore, it will forever be part of your criminal record, affecting future employment opportunities. Hiring a criminal defense attorney with the proper expertise and knowledge can help you escape a sticky situation. Don’t waste time; make the call today.
