Blaine Criminal Defense Lawyers

There is no set fee structure that applies to every criminal defense attorney in Blaine. Instead, each lawyer has the right to set their own fees. The way lawyers bill their clients can vary, particularly in criminal cases. Some are willing to take cases for a flat monetary fee.

In many situations, defense lawyers will bill by the hour. That means they set their hourly rate and track the amount of time spent on your case. It is common for this approach to also include a retainer, which is an upfront fee paid to the lawyer for their future services.

Different factors can determine how an attorney determines their fee. Experienced lawyers with extensive client rosters typically have the ability to charge more than lawyers with limited experience.

With so many different types of criminal charges available, it should come as no surprise that there are many potential consequences as well. Any criminal offense carries the possibility of incarceration, but the amount of time a person might spend behind bars can vary dramatically. A misdemeanor will lead to no more than a year in jail, while a felony could send you to prison for the rest of your life.

In addition to jail time, there is also the possibility of fines or the suspension of your driving privileges. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you might be required to register as a sex offender. There are also collateral consequences that can follow a conviction, like the loss of your job.

It may be possible to have the charges against you dropped. While a dismissal might be an option, the state is not obligated to drop your charges simply because you asked. Often, the state will aggressively pursue a conviction as long as they believe they are likely to win at trial.

There are times when a prosecutor might agree to dismiss your case. This usually comes when your attorney is able to show that the chances for a conviction are limited. Dismissals like this are most common after defense lawyers manage to have some of the state’s evidence excluded from trial.

You are not out of luck if the prosecutor refuses to drop their case against you. There is also the possibility of having the charges dismissed by the judge. Your attorney will need to file a motion to that effect, as the court will generally not drop your case on its own. The judge could agree to a dismissal if you can show something in the law favors ending the prosecution against you.

Only you can decide if hiring a lawyer is in your best interest. While the decision is yours to make, it is worth noting that there are serious risks that come with acting as your own lawyer. After all, when you pursue your defense without the support of legal counsel, you are serving as your own attorney.

There are countless mistakes that could be made when you don’t have an attorney by your side. This includes failing to comply with legal deadlines or misunderstanding the rules related to admitting evidence at trial. Your lawyer could help you avoid the errors that could cost you your freedom.

Many criminal cases in Blaine ultimately end with a negotiated plea agreement. The state does not have an obligation to offer you a plea deal, but they will generally do so more often than not. This is because they have a substantial case load they are looking to lighten.

Plea offers might be common, but they are not always worth accepting. In some instances, your best option could be to reject a plea and take your case to trial. Your lawyer might also be able to negotiate favorable terms with the state. This might include avoiding a criminal conviction entirely.