Crime Definitions
The Cochran Firm, with 21 locations nationwide
- Murder
- Rape
- Molestation/Sex Crimes
- Theft
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Illegal Possession of Weapons
- Probation Violation
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Domestic Violence
- Drunk Driving
- Assault & Battery
- Extortion
- Drug Offenses
MURDER
Murder is the intentional unlawful killing of one human being by another. It is distinct from manslaughter, the accidental unlawful killing of one human being from another, and lawful homicides, which are either justifiable or excusable.
Sentences for a conviction on a charge of murder include:
- Up to life imprisonment with or without parole
- Death penalty
- Significant fines
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses for Murder may potentially include:
- Defense of self/ home/ family, especially in states with "no duty to retreat" or "make my day" laws
- Insufficient evidence
- Provable innocence
- Insanity
- Battered woman
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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RAPE
Rape is defined as an act of sexual intercourse between two or more persons which is against the will of one person, and the act was accomplished by means of force, violence, duress, menace, drugs, or fear of immediate and unlawful injury to the alleged victim.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Rape include:
- Long prison sentence
- Sex offender registration for the rest of your life
- Loss of the right to vote or own a deadly weapon
- Probation or parole
- Court ordered AIDS testing
- Mandatory rehabilitation
- Significant fines
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses against a charge of Rape include:
- Proving consent
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving mistaken identity
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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MOLESTATION
Molestation, often termed "sex crimes," is when an adult commits any lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body of a child, with the specific intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust or passions or sexual desires of that person and/or the child. The child is never considered a consenting partner.
Consequences for a conviction on a charge of Molestation include:
- Long-term imprisonment
- Sex offender registration for the rest of your life, including movement and living restrictions
- Loss of the right to vote or own a deadly weapon
- Long-term probation or parole
- Court-ordered AIDS testing
- Prohibition from being near minors, even family members
- Mandatory rehabilitation
- Significant fines
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses of Molestation may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving mistaken identity
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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THEFT/ARMED ROBBERY
Theft is when one person takes personal property of some value belonging to another if the person who took the property had the specific intent to deprive the alleged victim permanently of that property and that person carried the property away by obtaining physical possession and control for some period of time and by some movement of the property. Armed robbery is theft while in possession of a weapon.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Theft include:
- Long-term imprisonment
- Probation or parole
- Loss of the right to be bonded, which has many employment consequences
- Payment of restitution to the victim
- Court ordered counseling
- Significant fines above and beyond restitution
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses of Theft may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving you are the true owner of property in question
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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FRAUD
Fraud is when a person makes or causes to be made directly, indirectly, or through agency, a false statement with the specific intent that it be relied upon, while knowing this statement was false, especially when the false statement was made with the specific intent to procure either the delivery of personal property, the payment of cash, the making of a loan, credit, the extension of credit, the execution of a contract of guaranty, the discount of an account receivable, or the making, acceptance, discount, sale or endorsement of a bill of exchange or promissory note before the benefit of either that person or another person.
Consequences for a conviction on a charge of Fraud include:
- Long-term imprisonment
- Probation or parole
- Loss of the right to be bonded, which has many employment consequences
- Payment of restitution to the victims
- Mandatory counseling
- Significant fines above and beyond restitution
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses of Fraud may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving true owner
- Proving the statement was
- Not known to be false
- Not intended to be relied on
- Not made with the intent to procure property or money
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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EMBEZZLEMENT
Embezzlement is when a person abuses a relationship of trust and confidence extant between him and another person for the intent of procuring property or money belonging to the other party.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Embezzlement include:
- Long-term imprisonment
- Probation or parole
- Loss of the right to be bonded, which has consequences for employment
- Payment of restitution to the victims
- Mandatory counseling
- Significant fines above and beyond restitution
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses of Embezzlement may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving accused is the true owner of property in question
- Proving no relationship of trust existed
- Proving the actions were perceived as being consistent with relationship
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF WEAPONS
A person may be charged with illegal possession of weapons if one has actual or constructive possession of a deadly weapon such as a gun, knife, etc, and the person is either not allowed to possess such a deadly weapon as a condition of a prior conviction or the possession is inconsistent with the laws for registration and possession of deadly weapons.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Illegal Possession of Weapons include:
- Long or short-term imprisonment
- Probation or parole
- Loss of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Significant fines
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses of Illegal Possession of Weapons may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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PROBATION VIOLATION
Probation is usually made with very specific conditions relevant to the conviction for which probation was sentenced. A violation of these conditions can lead to revocation of probation and the imposition of a custodial (Jail or Prison) sentence.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Probation Violation include:
- Probation revoked
- Jail or imprisonment (depends upon original conviction)
- Significant fines
- Probation reinstatement with additional terms including:
- Jail/Prison
- Longer term
- Community service
- Rehabilitation program
- Additional fines
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses for Probation Violation may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving probation terms complied with
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER
Vehicular manslaughter is when A person unintentionally but unlawfully kills another human being while driving a motor vehicle.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Vehicular Manslaughter include:
- Long-term imprisonment
- Probation or Parole
- Revocation of driving privilege
- Significant fines
- Higher insurance rates
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- The crime is alcohol or drug related
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses for Vehicular Manslaughter may potentially include:
- Proving not at fault
- Proving lack of negligence
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is when a person has willfully inflicted severe bodily injury upon his/her spouse or a co-habiting person.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Domestic Violence include:
- Mandatory domestic counseling
- Probation or parole
- Imprisonment
- Mandatory anger management class
- Significant fines
- Loss of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Punitive divorce court settlements
- Loss of custody and/or visitation rights with children
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- The crime is alcohol or drug-related
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses for Domestic Violence may potentially include:
- Proving act of self defense
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving act was justifiable / excusable
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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DRUNK DRIVING
Drunk driving is when a person operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, controlled substance, medication, or prescription that impairs the driver's ability.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Driving Under the Influence include:
- Imprisonment
- Revocation of driver's license
- Probation or parole
- Revocation of auto insurance or higher rates
- Mandatory driving school
- Impounding of vehicle
- Mandatory installation of ignition device
- Significant fines
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- An accident causing injury or death resulted
- You are a member of a racial minority
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses for Driving Under the Influence may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving illegal or improper police procedure
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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ASSAULT & BATTERY
Although tort law separates these two terms, under criminal law, assault and battery are considered a single offense wherein a person threatens immediate physical violence of which the person is immediately capable and that threat creates a well-founded fear of violence in the other person.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Assault and Battery include:
- Imprisonment or jail term
- Probation or parole
- Mandatory anger management class
- Significant fines
- Loss of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- The crime is alcohol or drug related
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses for Assault and Battery may potentially include:
- Showing motivation by defense of self / others / property
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving threat was not practicable or fear unfounded
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather documentation of your good character (reference letters, employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise your right to remain silent
- Retain qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses (this information will help your attorney prepare the best possible defense)
- DO NOT investigate your own case
What can we do to help?
- Early preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early investigation and identification of all facts helpful to your defense
- Interview police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview all witnesses
- Reduce or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are continually updated as to the status of your case
- In appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist (to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate a private lie detector test
- Develop appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence
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EXTORTION
Extortion is when a person obtains property from the alleged victim by consent induced through the wrongful use of force or fear induced with the specific intent to induce the alleged victim to consent to the giving up of their property.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Extortion include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation or parole
- Loss of the right to be bonded, which has serious consequences for employment
- Payment of restitution to the victims
- Mandatory counseling
- Significant fines above and beyond restitution
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority and your victim is Anglo/White
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses of Extortion may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving accused was true owner of property in question
- Proving that consent was not induced through force or fear
- Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather evidence of your good character by collecting reference letters and documenting employment history, community service, church affiliations, etc.
- Always exercise your right to remain silent-speak only to those who you trust and have statutory confidentiality privilege: psychologist, spouse, attorney, clergy in the confessional
- Retain qualified counsel immediately, even before charges are filed
- Keep a written record of all significant events and potential witnesses
- DO NOT investigate your own case: investigations by you can be seen as attempts to distort or conceal evidence
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
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DRUG OFFENSES
Drug offenses constitute a whole series of crimes in which a person had actual or constructive possession of a controlled substance, the person knew of its presence, and the person knew of its nature as a controlled substance, and the substance was in an amount sufficient to be used as a controlled substance, and the person intended to use, sell, or barter the substance for illegal purposes.
Consequences for a conviction on the charge of Drug Offenses include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation or parole
- Registration as a narcotics offender for life
- Mandatory periodic drug testing
- Court ordered counseling or rehabilitation
- Revocation of driver's license
- Search and seizure of motor vehicle
- Search and seizure of property
- Significant fines
- Other
You are more likely to receive stiffer sentences if:
- You have prior convictions, especially for similar crimes
- You are on probation or parole
- Your community and court is in a mood to seriously punish this type of crime
- Media gives strong negative attention to your case
- You are unable to show mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- You are a member of a racial minority
- Other intangibles work against you
Defenses of Drug Offenses may potentially include:
- Showing insufficient evidence
- Proving factual innocence
- Proving valid prescription or other legal rationale for possession
- Proving illegal or improper police procedure
- Other
What can we do to help?
We use all the tools at our disposal to minimize or eliminate your case!
- We form an early strategy for defense that focuses our research into the most profitable channels and gives us the jump on the prosecution
- We begin independent investigations using private eyes to gather our own information to defend you
- We interview police to fully understand the circumstances of the case.
- We interview the prosecutor to fully understand their understanding of the case in order to counter their probable strategies
- We interview all witnesses early to find profitable contradictions or inconsistencies or facts neglected by the police or prosecution that we can profitably exploit in your defense
- We negotiate reduced bail or release on your own recognizance
- We provide emotional support to you and your loved ones and ensure that you are continually updated as to the status of your case.
- Whenever possible, we negotiate alternative sentences.
- We obtain an evaluation report from a court-approved psychologist to utilize in your defense or in sentencing negotiations.
- We administer a private lie detector test.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to dismiss your case.
- We research and develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence against you.
Click Here for Consultation
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The statement above is not legal advice! This statement is not intended to be a correct statement of law in your jurisdiction. This statement is intended to give you a very general understanding of what is involved in this type of crime. Please consult an attorney to find out what law applies in your jurisdiction.
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