If you’ve been accused of a crime in the Greater Fall River area – or even if you believe you may be accused of a crime – hiring a skilled legal representative can help you protect the integrity of your future.
Even if you believe that the case against you is rock solid, a skilled attorney can work with prosecutors and the Massachusetts court system to settle on a compromise that may help you avoid jail time and, often times, even a permanent criminal record.
Take, for example, a recent criminal case we had here at Sabra and Aspden.
Our client, a 20-year-old New Bedford man, was charged with:
- Assault to intimidate
- Criminal harassment
- Assault with a dangerous weapon (handgun)
On paper, these charges are extremely serious and come with hefty repercussions. Most young men faced with these charges would assume that they have no hope of avoiding jail time and a huge black mark on their permanent record.
However, because our client reached out to Attorney Steven Sabra early on, our team was able to pick apart each of these charges and develop a preferred and mutually agreeable solution with the prosecutor and courts.
- Attorney Sabra filed a motion to dismiss the assault to intimidate and criminal harassment charge on the grounds there was no probable cause (the judge granted the motion)
- As far as the charge of assault with a handgun, Attorney Sabra was able to have that charge reduced to a simple assault (misdemeanor)
As a result of due diligence and a deep understanding of Massachusetts criminal law, Attorney Sabra was able to help his New Bedford client avoid having a criminal record at the end of six months.
UNDERSTANDING PRE-FILE: PROTECT YOUR FREEDOMS FROM THE ONSET
Unlike other types of legal charges, criminal charges often take time to come to fruition, because law enforcement has to build a case before they make an arrest.
It’s not uncommon, then, for an individual to know they’re under investigation and are facing criminal charges.
It is during this time that you should begin to look for a Fall River Criminal Defense Attorney to help you with your case. When you get legal advice or representation before criminal charges are made, this is known as a pre-file.
Pre-file is considered the best time to consult a Massachusetts criminal lawyer.
That’s because your attorney can help you understand the case being built against you, and will prevent you from doing or saying anything that could further incriminate you. You’re also protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning you can speak freely about your case knowing that your attorney has your best interests in mind.
When your attorney has all of the information regarding your case early on, he or she can then begin to find ways to reduce or remove charges.
HOW DO YOU PICK THE RIGHT FALL RIVER CRIMINAL ATTORNEY?
No one expects to need an attorney; however, most of us rely on legal expertise at least once in our life.
It’s a good idea, then, to know of at least one – if not a few – local attorneys who you can turn to in a time of need. The last thing you want to do is have to choose an attorney at the very last minute.
BUT WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN YOU HIRE A FALL RIVER, MA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY?
- Your criminal defense attorney should have a successful record defending clients facing similar charges (See our most recent criminal defense verdicts)
- Your attorney should be local, and have extensive knowledge of the courts in your area (Learn more about the experience of our legal team now)
- Your Fall River lawyer should be willing to share with you testimonials from past clients, that demonstrate their good standing in their field (Read our testimonials now)
Regardless of the type of criminal charges you face, all hope is not lost. The prosecutor and law enforcement are trained to make you believe that your case is unbeatable, in the hopes that you’ll take a plea deal and avoid a trial.
However, a trained criminal defense attorney – like the team here at Sabra and Aspden – know better. We’ll help you understand the true potential outcomes of your case, and we’ll work hard to dismantle the prosecutor’s strategy so that you can enjoy reduced or no charges, without having to endure a lengthy trial.
Are you or someone you know facing criminal charges in Fall River, Somerset, New Bedford, Taunton or the surrounding areas?
Contact us today for a free consultation!
