These answers are meant to provide general information regarding common questions asked defense attorneys. Every case must be analyzed individually. This information is not a substitute for consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your case. This information is also not meant to give legal advice, but is meant solely for general information purposes.

I am being investigated by the police/government what should I do?

If you are being, or believe you are being, investigated by the police or a federal agency in connection with a criminal offense you would be well advised to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. By getting an attorney involved at the early stages of an investigation that attorney will be able to advise you as to whether you should speak with the investigators or not or whether you should allow a search of your property or home. You do not have to give a statement to any investigators, and you should know that any statement you do give can and will be used against you at a later date.

Additionally, you have an absolute right not to allow any investigators to search your property or home unless they have a warrant. Furthermore, an attorney can assist at the preliminary stages of an investigation by: talking with investigators to determine what information, if any, they have implicating you; discussing with the investigators the possibility of charges not being filed; and making arrangements with the investigators to turn yourself in should charges be filed to avoid being arrested at work, in front of your family and kids or while traveling in another state. Most importantly, an attorney being involved at the early stages of an investigation can assist you in making informed and intelligent decisions.

What effect does a particular lawyer have on the outcome of a trial?

The lawyer can make an enormous impact on the outcome of a trial. In a case where the evidence is weak against you, a bad or lazy lawyer can miss crucial issues and opportunities and turn an otherwise strong case into a disaster.

In a strong case for the Prosecution, a good lawyer, who does HSI investigation and preparation properly, and has the right experience, can find the weaknesses in the evidence and testimony of key prosecution witnesses. It is the skill of the lawyer that can extract the most minuet pieces of other wise missed facts or evidence and turn it into major issues of credibility and reasonable doubt.