If you or someone you know gets arrested, it is time to contact a criminal defense attorney. A criminal attorney can help you understand your rights and help you explore your options going forward. Getting arrested can be intimidating, scary, and overwhelming. The Lopes Law Firm, with offices in Atlanta and Marietta, GA can help protect your rights, defend you in court, and maintain your innocence.

IF BEING INVESTIGATED

If you are accused of a crime, police officers may try and make a case against you whether tell you are guilty or innocent. A defense attorney can begin working immediately to help you stay out of jail. Once a police department begins to investigate you, it is important to discuss your rights with an attorney. A good lawyer can begin discussing your case immediately and can help keep the investigation from going any further if they don't have a case. If you get arrested, your attorney can go to court and ask the judge to release you pending trial, and then begin the work of proving your innocence.

AT COURT

If you are arrested, you will typically have a hearing within 48 to 72 hours. Your first hearing is where a magistrate judge initially determines if there is any evidence to justify holding you in jail before trial. The judge will tell you of your right to remain silent and to an attorney. Moreover, you generally be given a bond that is designed to assure your presence at trial. Attorney Lopes can advise you and help protect you through the first stressful hearings and prepare for your second hearing, where the prosecutor has to prove to the judge that there is enough evidence to present a case against you for each of the charges you are accused of.

You will then be required to attend a series of pre-trial hearings. At these hearings you can begin planning towards a trial. If the case against you is strong, your attorney can help work out a deal with the prosecutor to minimize jail time or other consequences. If you take your case to trial, your attorney will present your defense. If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, an attorney can still assist you. You will have to attend a sentencing hearing, where the attorney can present mitigating factors in your defense.

The Lopes Law Firm, with offices in Atlanta and Marietta, GA can help protect your rights, defend you in court, and maintain your innocence. Contact The Lopes Law Firm at (404) 589-9000 or request a consultation, as we are available to help you day or night. We're here to help you.