HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED, ACCUSED OF A CRIME, OR ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR A CRIMINAL OFFENSE?
You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Just because you have been accused of a crime does not mean that you are guilty.
YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY
If you are facing the prospects of jail or prison, you should never be without an attorney. You may feel that you are presumed guilty, but you are presumed innocent. In fact, the presumption of innocence is one of the few remaining rights afforded to all accused people. Criminal Defense Attorney, Donald M. Sheehan, can protect your rights.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS?
- You have the right...to an attorney.
- You have the right...to know the crime(s) with which you have been charged.
- You have the right...to examine all the evidence the state has against you.
- You have the right...to a jury trial.
- You have the right...to confront your accusers and cross-examine State witnesses.
- You have the right...to remain silent. You cannot be forced to testify.
These rights are generally read to a person who is arrested in the form of Miranda Rights:
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you wish to give up these rights?"
The warning advises people of their constitutional right to not answer questions or to have an attorney present before they answer any questions. Despite what you may have learned on television about the reading of Miranda, a law enforcement officer does not necessarily have to advise you of your Miranda rights before they ask you a question. The warning only applies to a custodial interrogation which is when a person is being questioned while in custody, i.e. a situation in which the person does not believe that he or she is free to leave.
What about when a law enforcement officer tells me that he can help me out if I tell him the truth, should I talk to him?
NO! You have the right under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution to remain silent.
ANY STATEMENTS YOU MAKE CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MEET WITH ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL OR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WITHOUT A LAWYER PRESENT!
Law enforcement personnel are trained professionals who are not looking out for your best interest. You need a lawyer to look out for your best interest. Often times an officer will contact you before you are charged in hopes of coercing a confession. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. The police don’t want you aware of that right because they don’t want to place you in custody prior to the discussion. The police use these strategies in hopes of making their case easier to prove. When contacted by the police, it is important to ask for time to confer with Counsel.
YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED DEFENSE ATTORNEY TO DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS
If you have been arrested or are being investigated for any criminal offense, it is important that you understand what your rights are and receive legal advice. The law is constantly changing and there are many defenses that may be available to you which could result in minimum penalties being imposed or possibly having the charge(s) dismissed. I can answer any questions you may have concerning your rights under the law and can explain the penalties you may be facing.
Contact my office immediately so I can discuss your legal matter with you. I am available to meet with you personally to examine the facts of your case and thoroughly evaluate your options. I do not charge a fee to meet with you at my office to review your case. If you do hire me, I will handle all negotiations with the State Attorney and will appear on your behalf at scheduled court dates. You may not have to attend the arraignment.
I can offer financial arrangements to meet your needs as well as jail consultations. I am available 24 hours a day and I look forward to meeting with you.