If you have been accused of a crime, you need the services of a criminal lawyer. You have many rights in the United States and you are entitled to a presumption of innocence until and if you are proven guilty in a court of law. It is the job of the prosecutor’s office to prove to a jury or a judge that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

There are obviously varying degrees of crimes and as they become more serious so does the need for an experienced criminal attorney on your team. The laws against DUI are becoming more stringent as are the penalties. It is not uncommon for everyone to know someone who has been caught drinking and driving. In cases such as these there may be a lot of room for doubt that only a criminal attorney can help you prove. There have been recent cases in some states where the equipment used to measure blood alcohol levels is faulty leading to the dismissal of charges for some. A criminal attorney will assist you in finding the cracks in the charges leading to either a dismissal, a finding of not guilty or a reduced plea deal. There are some minor charges such as misdemeanor traffic violations in which you can represent yourself but taking the chance with any bigger crime could be a big problem. When a citizen of the United States is charged with a crime, they enter a usually overcrowded system full of complicated procedures and laws. With your freedom on the line you need to have a professional fighting in your corner. An experienced criminal law attorney can communicate with the prosecutors’ office and try to negotiate a plea deal or if you are not guilty they can investigate your case and present it in court. They can also ensure that your rights are protected and if the state fails to do so it can be cause for dismissal of your case. When you arrested you arresting officer will read you your Miranda Rights. This tells you to stay silent or anything you say will be used against you and that if you cannot afford an attorney they will appoint a public defender. Under Mississippi you must pass a means test that proves you cannot afford a private criminal attorney before they will assign you an attorney. You can usually find a lawyer that will set up some kind of payment plan so you do not need all the money up front.

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