Being charged with a criminal offense in Denver, even a “minor” one like shoplifting or a first-time DUI offense, can be a stressful and scary experience for the person accused, especially if they’ve never faced a legal issue before. After an arrest, you may feel confused and ashamed, unsure of what to do next. If you’re charged with a minor criminal crime, your immediate concern might be the possible embarrassment: How will I tell my friends and family? But the more serious issue at hand may be possible legal consequences.
“Even cases that are seemingly small can have serious consequences down the road,” says Denver criminal defense lawyer Kevin Flesch of the Law Office of Kevin Flesch LLC. “Many people are tempted to just accept a guilty plea so that they don’t have to deal with a trial. But those charges might stay on your record for a long time, and affect your chances of getting a job in the future. In today’s tough job market, they can really hurt you. You can’t ‘rewind’ a conviction, or go back on a plea deal once you’ve accepted it.”
Flesch says that you also shouldn’t run the risk of trying to handle the defense case on your own. If you’ve decided to fight the charges, a reputable criminal defense lawyer in Denver can provide you with the guidance and support you need to present the courtroom or prosecutors with the absolute strongest case possible. Too often, someone accused with a minor criminal crime - especially someone who believes in his own innocence - feels that proving a case will be easy, and then gets lost in the paperwork, or gives statements that will hurt him in the actual trial.
“An experienced Denver criminal defense lawyer is of incredible value to anyone facing a charge. They know how to handle the paperwork, the procedures, the court appearances,” explains Flesch. “From a strategic standpoint, they’re going to know how to look at the evidence and prove your case in the most effective way possible.”
According to Flesch, the earlier you consult with counsel, the better. A lawyer can give you the guidance you need to get the best outcome possible in your case. “For example,” he says, “in order to persuade you take a deal, the prosecutor might threaten you with potential witnesses that could testify against you. An experienced attorney might be able to look at that list and recognize that certain witnesses are unlikely to show up. Also, often times there’s just too many cases for the court to handle. If there’s a good chance your case will get dismissed - and an experienced lawyer will have a good feel on this - then it’s better not to take the plea.”
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Publication of this article and your receipt of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.