Hiring a prefiling criminal defense attorney can easily determine whether or not you will face criminal charges. The Law Offices of Rizio & Nelson have successfully managed the investigation of cases that have resulted in an overturned (false) conviction and set free a great number of wrongfully charged individuals of convictions ranging from misdemeanor DUIs to capital murder.
The significance of hiring an attorney right away when you are arrested or charged with a crime is very important. Frequently, hiring an attorney before you are formally charged with a crime can help you avoid jail, and sometimes even court. Prosecutors frequently file cases too early, before they have amassed a sufficient amount of evidence. In many instances, when the prosecutor is given the facts or a defense that will be proven in court, they change their mind regarding filing the charges.
In the state of California, both Federal and local law enforcement agencies make arrests or carry out search warrants of residences or businesses, but do not actually file charges at that point. Many people falsely assume that, because a case was not filed right away, the case was turned down and they will not face criminal charges. In most cases, this could not be farther from the truth. The statute of limitations for a large number of crimes is several years, and, for some offenses, there is no statute of limitations. Due to this fact, there is no rush to file charges, and the police can take a much larger amount of time to investigate, allowing them time to gather more evidence and present a more convincing case.
Many prosecution agencies, such as the District Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney's Office, dictate that law enforcement agencies assemble a complete and comprehensive investigative packet before ever filing criminal charges. In cases involving offenses such as white collar crimes, financial documents can take months to sift through and classify. More common crimes, such as DUIs, normally necessitate statements of witnesses and victims to be categorized and reviewed. In some cases, evidence must be scrutinized and chemical or DNA tests must be carried out before the government will allow charges to be filed.
For these reasons and many more, hiring a criminal defense attorney knowledgeable about prefiling situations can make the biggest difference regarding whether charges are formally filed or dropped altogether. It can also make a world of difference regarding whether or not you receive a jail/state prison sentence. Do not waste time incarcerated when you could be free and spending that same time with beloved friends and family members, simply because you did not know to hire an attorney with the right qualifications!
It is crucial that you search for a criminal defense attorney with in-depth experience in these kinds of situations. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for an crime in California, call the Law Offices of Rizio & Nelson. We comprehend the serious nature of criminal investigations, how best to mount your defense, and how to settle your case without requiring a jail sentence. We understand the law and the legal system. Do not delay, contact us today for your free initial consultation! |
