Cottage Grove Criminal Defense Lawyers

The amount of money a criminal defense attorney in Cottage Grove charges can vary. Each firm has their own way of determining what to charge, and there are factors that can come into play. Or example, lawyers with years of experience and substantial name recognition are likely to charge more than an attorney straight out of law school.

The way a lawyer bills their client can also vary. Some choose to bill by the hour, meaning the track the amount of time spent on a case and then charge that hourly rate. This approach is often coupled with a retainer, which is a pool of money the client pays to the lawyer upfront. As the attorney earns their fee, they withdraw some of the retainer to cover it.

Attorneys have developed a reputation for being expensive, but it is important to speak with a prospective lawyer for yourself. You might be surprised at what you learn during a free consultation. What’s more, anything you spend on your defense is an investment in your freedom, which is something you can’t put a price on.

The consequences you face following an arrest and conviction will largely depend on the types of charges you are dealing with. If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor, a conviction might bring as much as year in jail on top of steep monetary fines. While serious, the penalties for felony convictions are much higher. In these cases you might face the potential for incarceration for the rest of your life.

On top of jail time and fines, there are other consequences that could be levied depending on your charge. For example, drunk drivers are at risk of losing their license, while someone convicted of rape may be required to register a sex offender for the rest of their life.

What these cases all have in common is that a penalty will only become a reality if you are convicted. It could be possible to win at trial or have your case dismissed, leaving you with the possibility of walking away free and clear.

It might be possible to have your criminal charges dropped in Cottage Grove, but this outcome is never guaranteed. Prosecutors care about getting convictions, particularly in cases that have major social stigma. They are not going to dismiss your case without a good reason.

Of course, dismissals do happen. Usually, this is the case when your attorney is able to show the state that the evidence against you is not strong enough for a conviction. A prosecutor in these cases might drop the charges against you to save face instead of taking your case to trial.

You are the only person that can decide if hiring a lawyer is right for you. Acting as your own attorney is your right, but that does not make it a good idea. There are countless pitfalls in the legal system, and a single mistake could result in your criminal conviction.

If the prosecutor is not willing to drop your charges, you still have the opportunity to file a motion to dismiss. This involves asking the court to bring your case to an end early. A judge will only agree if there is a viable legal ground your attorney can point to that requires dismissal.

Plea bargains are commonplace in the criminal justice system. While the state might make you an offer early on in the process, it may not be worth accepting. Your attorney can review the offer, advise if it is reasonable, and negotiate with the state for better terms. They can also guide you in the decision to accept their final offer or take your case to trial.