Criminal Defense

Being charged with a crime can be an overwhelming experience. It could be your first experience with the criminal justice system. Even if it is not, there is probably a great deal happening that you do not clearly understand. We understand the entire process and can help you navigate through it, no matter where you are in the process. Below is a brief introduction to the criminal defense process. Contact us for more detailed information on how we can help you in your particular situation. Also, see our Court Processes page to learn more about the specific actions taken in court.

Investigation

The first stage of the process is the criminal investigation. In many cases, the police do not witness crimes first-hand, and make arrests and a charging decision only after a lengthy investigation. If you suspect or are aware that you are being investigated for a crime, you should contact us to discuss a strategy that could prevent charges being filed and your subsequent arrest.

Charges and Bail

When the police believe they have enough evidence, they make an arrest, go through their booking process, and the prosecutor makes a charging decision. Understand that you have certain constitutional rights at all times that must be protected. These include:

• The right to have an attorney
• The right to remain silent
• The right to a presumption of innocence
• The right to trial

Make sure you protect these rights at the earliest possible stage in the process.

If you have been arrested, you will likely have the opportunity to make bail by posting money or a bond as a surety for your future appearance in court. It is very important that before you, your family or friends post any money or bond, you contact us to discuss your options. Please see our Bond Issues page for further information.

Hearings, Trial, Pleas

After the prosecutor brings charges, many people think that a trial is the next stage. That is not necessarily true. Before trial, you may have an opportunity to require the government to present evidence against you at a preliminary hearing or probable cause hearing. In some cases this provides your defense attorney with an opportunity to pursue a dismissal of the charges. At such a hearing, we have the opportunity to examine the evidence against you, and argue to a judge that it is insufficient for you to be charged with some or all of the charges brought by the prosecutor. This is a vital step in the process, and we at Johnson Law Group are tenacious in attempting to defeat the charges at this stage.

Should your case proceed to trial, we employ fierce and experienced trial attorneys. We know what it takes to attack the prosecution's case and persuade a jury.

Although our attorneys and criminal defense team will fight to the end to defeat the charges against you, sometimes it is beneficial to explore the possibility of convincing the prosection to reduce the charges against you to less serious offenses. Our attorneys and members of our criminal defense team are trained negotiators fully capable of obtaining the best result possible in your case. This process is commonly known as plea bargaining.

Sentencing

Since not all cases can result in charges being dismissed or an aquittal (not guilty verdict) at trial, you should be aware that there are vastly different guidelines for sentencing for different crimes. Felony vs. misdemeanor sentencing, and sentencing for different classes of felonies and misdemeanors could mean a vast difference in jail terms and fines. Felony convictions can result in a loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote, the right to serve in the military and the right to carry a gun. You should be aware of all the various possibilities before making any decisions about your future.

Whatever stage of the criminal process, Johnson Law Group will know what to do, and we will put our aggressiveness, intelligence and experience to work for you. We think long-term, and act for your long-term best interest. Contact us immediately to discuss your situation.

We Fight to Win!