Criminal Defense
Criminal law involves the process by which individuals (and in some instances, businesses) are alleged to have violated certain rules that have been enacted to protect members of society. The rules of the federal government and all individual state governments are codified into statutes. When an individual violates the rules as listed in the statutes, then the federal government or the state may prosecute the alleged wrongdoer. However, the wrongdoer is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Criminal defense is all about making sure the alleged wrongdoer's rights are not violated and ensuring the prosecutor meets that burden of proof before a punishment is doled out. If the prosecutor cannot meet that burden of proof then the alleged wrongdoer must be found not guilty of the alleged violation.
In any situation where the possible punishment could be incarceration, the accused is entitled to a jury trial. A jury decides the facts of the case, while a judge decides the law that applies to the case. In some instances, an accused may only be entitled to, or may prefer, a bench trial, in which a judge decides all the issues in a case. If a person is found guilty of the crime he or she was accused of committing, a judge will decide the proper punishment. Typically, the judge is guided by certain sentencing guidelines that have been prescribed by the legislature. In "capitol" cases, a jury may be asked to decide whether or not a convicted murderer is eligible for the death sentence.
Some charges are more serious than others. Misdemeanors include infractions generally considered to be more minor, while felonies are typically much more serious. But no matter the severity, being charged with a crime can be a traumatic event. Criminal penalties can include fines, restitution and possibly jail or prison time. They can change the way you live your life. If you are accused of a crime, you are entitled to have an attorney represent you. In such a situation, it is very important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner.
At VanDerGinst Law, our attorneys have represented thousands of clients on criminal matters. Some of our attorneys are former prosecutors themselves, so they know the criminal justice system from both sides of the equation. An experienced criminal defense attorney is one of the most valuable allies you can have when you have been charged with a criminal act of any sort.
If you or a loved one needs representation for a criminal charge or related charges, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. Your initial consultation is always free of charge. During that visit, we will be able to tell you up front what we may be able to do for you and what the attorney fees would be for your case. Our fees are always competitive, so don't hesitate to contact us to learn how we can help.
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