When you are charged with a criminal offense, it is easy to start thinking that you might be guilty. But, you are not guilty unless and until you are convicted in court, and, even if you did something that constitutes a criminal offense under New Jersey law, you could still have defenses available.
3 Ways a New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Regardless of Whether You Committed a Crime
As a result, regardless of what you think about your guilt or innocence, you need to consult with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney about your case. Here are three ways a lawyer can help even if you believe that you are guilty:
1. Showing that the Prosecution is Unable to Meet Its Burden of Proof
Regardless of the facts of your case, it is up to the prosecutor’s office to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof, the jury cannot return a guilty verdict. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to expose any flaws in the prosecution’s case, seek to have key evidence suppressed from your trial, and take various other steps focused on protecting you against a conviction.
2. Asserting Constitutional Defenses in Court
In addition to focusing on the allegations against you, your criminal defense lawyer will also be able to determine if you have defenses available based on police or prosecutorial misconduct. If the police stopped you without reasonable suspicion or searched or arrested you without probable cause, this could provide a defense regardless of whether or not you committed a criminal offense. The same is true if the prosecutors assigned to your case mishandle evidence, attempt to conceal exculpatory evidence, or make other mistakes that amount to violations of your constitutional rights.
3. Fighting to Mitigate Your Sentence Should You Get Convicted
Finally, even if you can’t avoid a conviction, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will still be able to help you in a very important way—by fighting to mitigate your sentence as much as possible. New Jersey law allows judges to impose a broad range of sentences for all types of offenses; and, if you do not hire a lawyer to represent you, you will be at much greater risk for facing a sentence at the top of the range.
A criminal conviction can impact all aspects of your life; and, if you are facing charges, you have every reason to speak with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney about your case. To find out how our lawyers may be able to protect you, schedule a free consultation at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.
Schedule a Free Criminal Defense Consultation at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.
If you would like more information about how our New Jersey criminal defense attorney can use their experience to fight your criminal charges, call us at 877-435-6371 or send us your contact information online. Your initial consultation is free, and you owe it to yourself to find out what defenses you have available.
Over 20 attorneys at HCK have extensive criminal defense experience as they were former assistant prosecutors and/or police officers for a combined total of over 600 years of law enforcement experience. You can find out more about them on our website, and you can call Managing Partner Ron Helmer on his cell phone at 609 685-0665.
