Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys

This depends on a number of things. First, it depends on the crime you are being charged with. For some, such as a first time DUI, you’ll most likely be released on your own recognizance and will not need to go back to jail. For other, more serious crimes, such as attempted murder, the courts will likely keep you in custody on the charge alone unless you are able to post bail. Second, it depends on the result of your trial. If given a not guilty verdict, it’s almost as if it never happened – you are free to go right then and there. If convicted of a serious crime, you may have to go back into custody. Lastly, it depends on sentencing, as this is another matter entirely. At the point of sentencing, a judge may require a term in jail or alternatives, such as rehabilitation or community service.

You have the right to an attorney, and you also have the right to waive that right and represent yourself. This right is as old as the Constitution itself, but it is almost always a mistake to do so. Those who are not trained in criminal trial procedure lack the ability to properly file motions, submit evidence, cross examine a witness, or select a jury. In addition, it’s possible that you may accidentally admit guilt in an effort to defend yourself. Criminal trials are very intimidating settings, and the odds will be against you if you choose to defend yourself. Additionally, simply pleading guilty in hopes of mercy from the prosecution is a bad idea – it is their job to give you the harshest sentence they can, and believe me, they will. It is best to leave your fate not up to luck but to legal skills honed over decades.

Once convicted, which means either entering a guilty plea or being found guilty by a jury of your peers, it is difficult but not impossible to have a crime expunged from your record. Most juvenile crimes are able to be expunged, and are often sealed on their record when they turn 18, anyway. However, as an adult, your best bet at getting a crime expunged is if the offense is not violent in nature and if your offense is the first and only one you have ever been found guilty for. First time DUIs are quite often able to expunged as long as you complete all of the mandatory classes, community service, and probation in a timely and effective manner. Other crimes, such as armed robbery, will likely not be expunged unless you are found not guilty by a court of law. Additionally, one cannot expunge a crime while they are pending conviction of another crime.

The first step in the process is a thorough search for all of the information you can find. Gain a good understanding of what you could be facing if you are actually convicted of the crime. Then, search for a qualified attorney. In this search, you want to look for experience in criminal defense as well as a background in prosecution - this means your attorney can stay ahead of the opposition, You also want to look for previous successful results in cases involving the same charge as yours and any indication that your attorney still possesses a passion for what he or she does. Then, schedule a consultation, where you and your legal team can begin to assess and make a course of action. Initial consultations are usually not binding, meaning that you can still choose another firm after, if you so choose.