After twenty years of practicing criminal law in South Florida, two things have become apparent. Who you choose as your criminal defense lawyer and how quickly they act on your behalf matters significantly in obtaining justice for you (the accused).
Those who either utilize the services of the public defender’s office or choose to hire a cheap and / or inexperienced criminal defense lawyer will unfortunately, in most cases, have to wait at least a few weeks for the State Attorney’s Office to file the criminal charges before any action will be taken by their criminal defense attorney on their behalf. This delay in action can be, and in most cases is, the difference between the accused obtaining justice and having to face a long process of having to prove their innocence through the discovery process.
When a police officer makes an arrest, he is doing so because he / she believes there is a minimal amount of evidence that a crime was committed and that you (arrestee) committed that crime (this is called probable cause). This is the lowest legal standard we have in our criminal justice system, which makes it very easy for a police officer to justify an arrest and take you to jail, regardless of your innocence.
The standard for the State Attorney’s Office to file criminal charges is whether they have a good faith basis to believe they can prove the allegations beyond and to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt, which is the highest of all legal standards. In most of these instances, because there is such a tremendous gap in the legal standard for an arrest and the filing of the criminal charge(s), there is quite a bit that the lawyers at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can and will do immediately to minimize your exposure.
This immediate action could be the difference between you staying in jail and your freedom, the difference between charges being filed or dismissed, and the difference between serious charges and less serious charges being filed against you.
The beginning stage in a criminal case is by far the most important for the accused. One fact the attorney’s at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. consistently tell clients is that it is easier to get a criminal case dropped before it is filed (first few weeks after arrest) than to convince the prosecutor to drop the case after it has already been filed.
If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been arrested, DO NOT WAIT to call Hager & Schwartz, P.A.! Our proven and proactive approach have made a significant difference in helping the lives of thousands of past clients who were in the same and / or similar circumstances that you or a loved one is in right now. It can certainly make the difference in how a criminal investigation and / or arrest affects the rest of your life.
Someone who has been or is about to be arrested for a crime has two important choices: 1) Wait and allow the State Attorneys Office get the upper hand in gathering the evidence against you or; 2) Call Hager & Schwartz, P.A. now and let us get to work immediately in trying to get your charges dismissed or reduced. Your future is on the line; what is it worth to you?
Our legal team is available days, nights, and weekends to take your call. Call (305) 330-1360 for an immediate consultation.