You need to find a lawyer who specializes in criminal law after being arrested for a crime. It is the single most important thing for you to do. Being convicted of a crime can result in a long prison term and a record that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Whether you committed the alleged crime or not, no matter if it’s a minor criminal violation or a more serious felony, your first phone call from jail should be to find a lawyer.
It is imperative to find a lawyer who has the skill and experience to fight for the best possible outcome – never go it alone in a criminal case. Even if you don’t retain the lawyer, a consultation can still help you to understand the charges against you, find out about available defenses, discuss the possibility for a plea bargain, and find out what to do if you’re convicted.
Find A Lawyer For Defense of Violent Crimes
The charges for violent crimes can vary. There may be mitigating factors that can alter the charges, depending on the circumstances. For example, if you were acting in self-defense or in the “heat of the moment.” You should find a lawyer who is familiar with the laws of both Kansas and Missouri and how the local courts operate. It can make all the difference in how your case turns out, in whether you go to jail or go free, in some situations.
At Divine Law in Kansas City, I provide criminal representation in a wide range of criminal charges. I will take an aggressive approach to your case. My first priority is to get you out of jail as soon as possible. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, I will diligently prepare your case, following discovery and review of all the available evidence, and carefully consider all viable strategies. I have successfully represented many clients charged with serious crimes, including the following.
Robbery – If you are accused of taking of someone’s property by force or use the threat of force you may be charged with robbery. If the alleged crime involved the use of any kind of a weapon it becomes an armed robbery charge, which can escalate to aggravated armed robbery, depending on the circumstances.
Assault and Battery Crimes – An assault charge has different degrees but all are serious. First-degree assault in Missouri is described as “knowingly attempting to kill or cause serious physical injury.” In Kansas, it is defined as “placing another in imminent apprehension of physical harm.” Battery charges are tacked on when physical contact occurred during the assault. Kansas distinguishes between regular and aggravated battery and domestic battery. The laws are specific and complex. Your chances for a more favorable outcome when you find a lawyer who is well-versed in the laws of your state, as well as experienced at negotiating the court system.
Assault With a Dangerous Weapon – When an action is carried out with the intent to injure against another person, and a weapon is used, it constitutes an assault with a dangerous weapon charge. A conviction for guns and weapons, when combined with other crimes, can result in more jail time.
When a firearm is used in the commission of a crime, it increases the severity of the charges and results in harsher punishment. You need to find a lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and keep you out of jail.
Murder and Manslaughter – Few other criminal charges are as severe as a murder charge. First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life without probation or parole. Many violent crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences and if convicted, you may not be eligible for probation. If convicted, the charges remain on your permanent record and will have a negative impact on your future.
Serious Traffic Offenses – Whether it’s a parking ticket or multiple speeding tickets, no insurance, expired tags, turn violations or DUI/DWI, it is rarely in your best interests to just go in and pay the ticket. While that is often the easiest, and seemingly cheapest, resolution paying a ticket means pleading guilty to the offense which will put points on your license. Too many points and you will have your license suspended and can see your insurance rates spike. You can also automatically lose your license for a plea to no insurance, especially if you got that ticket after a traffic accident.
What Criminal Defense Lawyer Craig Divine Can Do For You
At Divine Law in Kansas City, I will start immediately to investigate the circumstances of your arrest. Handling a criminal case involves spending a lot of time fact-gathering, obtaining evidence, interviewing witnesses and analyzing all the data. If your case goes to trial, I will handle all of the legal issues related to your case, including identifying key pretrial issues, issuing motions that can improve your situation. I will file all the necessary legal documents, keep track of court dates and attend every hearing. Furthermore, will negotiate with prosecutors and the judge, possibly getting the charges reduced or even getting the case dismissed – whatever I can to secure a favorable resolution of your case.