Criminal Defense Lawyer Bridgeport, CT
If you have been accused of a crime, consider speaking with a Bridgeport, CT criminal defense lawyer from Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C. Getting charged with a crime is a serious matter, and you need someone knowledgeable and experienced on your side. An attorney can provide you with a strong defense and protect your rights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Getting Arrested
Getting arrested can be shocking and scary. When you are experiencing so many emotions, it can be difficult to think clearly and make the right decisions. Here are common mistakes to avoid after getting arrested.
- Talking to the police. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make after getting arrested. They might think that the police will help them if they talk about their case. However, it is crucial to understand that the police are not there to help you. They only want to ask you questions to obtain information to use against you. To avoid hurting your case, politely tell the police you do not want to talk to them without an attorney.
- Discussing your case with family and friends. Dealing with criminal charges is tough, so you may want to confide in close family members and friends. However, it may not be such a good idea to discuss the intimate details of your case with anyone but your attorney. If the prosecution subpoenas your family members and friends, they will be required to tell them what you said.
- Not hiring an attorney. After getting arrested, one of the first things you should do is hire a Bridgeport criminal defense attorney. The sooner you have an attorney defend you, the better. Your attorney can handle communications with the police and prosecution and do everything possible to provide you with a strong defense. If you have an experienced attorney advocating for you, you have a higher chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
- Talking about your case on social media. In this day and age, many people discuss their thoughts and feelings on social media. When you are facing criminal charges, however, you may want to reduce your time on social media. You do not want to talk about your criminal case on your social media pages, as the prosecution may be looking for information to use against you.
- Behaving poorly in court. After you have been charged with a crime, you will be expected to appear in court several times. Make sure to arrive at your court dates on time and show respect. If you dress poorly or are rude to the judge or other court personnel, it will reflect poorly on you and may hurt your case.
- Getting arrested again. While this should go without saying, you should avoid getting arrested again while awaiting trial for a separate charge. The judge may be less likely to give you leniency for your initial charge. Stay away from people who may be a bad influence.
Schedule a consultation with a Bridgeport criminal defense lawyer from Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C. today to discuss your case in detail.
Bridgeport, CT Criminal Defense Infographic
Forgery and Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you’ve been accused of forgery, a Bridgeport, CT criminal defense lawyer can help. Read on to learn more about what you can expect if you’ve been booked for forgery, and get in touch with Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C. for a free consultation.
What Is Forgery?
In the eyes of the law, forgery is any creation or alteration of documents for fraudulent purposes. This also extends to the use of those documents. Previously, forgery was defined as creating fraudulent documents, while using the fraudulent documents was known as uttering a false document.
These days, forgery includes the creation and use of fraudulent documents, and those documents can range from checks to financial records. Forgery carries serious penalties, so contact a Bridgeport criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Kind of Punishment Should I Expect?
Forgery counts as a felony in all 50 states. It’s a serious crime, but the punishment can vary from state to state. Sometimes, the punishment depends on the amount of money involved. For more serious counts of forgery, you may end up in prison. However, for lesser forgery charges, you may end up on probation.
The degree of punishment varies on the state, the severity of your charges, the judge, and (above all) how your court case goes. Your lawyers will have to build up a solid defense to counter the prosecution.
How Will the Prosecution Handle My Case?
In the United States, you’re innocent until proven guilty. This means that it’s up to the prosecution to prove that you committed forgery in the first place. Your prosecutors need to provide evidence that you had falsified or fraudulent documents, but they also need to provide evidence that you made, altered, or used those documents.
The prosecution team must also prove that the falsified documents had legal significance and that you intended to commit fraud (even if the crime hadn’t happened yet). In short, the prosecution has to prove that you intended to commit forgery or were in the process of committing forgery.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for Me?
When you get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer, you’re getting a legal team that can fight back against the prosecution. Your lawyers will investigate the charges leveled against you, and they’ll take steps to disprove any of the claims that the prosecution makes.
The prosecution needs to prove a lot to put you behind bars. If your lawyers can disprove any of the claims against you, it works in your favor. A criminal case can be frightening and overwhelming, but the right lawyer can help you navigate your next steps.
What Should I Look for In a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Not all criminal defense lawyers are the same. Many are just in it for the money and only provide their clients with cookie-cutter solutions – even though every case is different. When you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, you need to make sure they’re experienced, knowledgeable, and as committed to your case as you are.
Fortunately, the team at Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C. is here to help. If you’ve been booked for forgery or any other kind of criminal charge, contact a Bridgeport criminal defense lawyer from our office for a free consultation.
Actions to Take to Build a Strong Criminal Defense
Keep Calm
It can be easy to become emotional and panicked when you are forced to defend yourself against a serious criminal accusation, as a skilled Bridgeport, CT criminal defense lawyer knows. Staying calm and level-headed can help you better go through the scenario and avoid making careless decisions that could only potentially make your situation more challenging to go through. You should never make an important decision that could affect your case if you are overly emotional or are not in a healthy state of mind. Remember that you have important legal rights that are protected by law, and if you act quickly, you will be able to prepare a strong defense.
Write Down Details
Whatever kind of criminal charge you are facing, one thing that you should do is to write down what details you can remember. If you have an alibi, for example, write down where you were at the time and what you were doing. The more information that you can write down, the better. It can support your case and strengthen your argument. It will also help you if you know what to say in case police officers or other investigators would like to speak to you. If you are ever uncomfortable about what to say or unsure, you have the right to remain silent until a skilled Bridgeport criminal defense lawyer is present to give you legal counsel.
Gather Evidence
If you are being charged with a crime, collect as much evidence as you can that can build your defense. This can be emails or text messages, physical items, records, and other items that can help your defense. If you have any materials that can be presented as evidence, preserve them and reach out to a lawyer so that they can determine the best way to build your case.
Stay Away from Social Media
Anyone charged with a crime, whether a minor infraction or a serious felony, should be wary about how they communicate and who they speak to. Social media is one of the things that any accused individual should be extremely mindful of. It is best to limit your activity on social media or stay off of it entirely while you are being investigated. It can be tempting to share sensitive details on your social platforms, but this may only hurt your case.
Discuss Your Case with a Lawyer
Being charged with a crime is a highly intimidating experience, and if you do not have strong knowledge about your legal rights and the laws, speaking to a lawyer for more personalized support and guidance is highly recommended. They will be able to evaluate your case more in-depth and explain what information you need to know. A lawyer will be dedicated to preparing a solid defense so that you can resolve the situation without suffering the most serious consequences. Discuss your charge with a trusted Bridgeport criminal defense lawyer from Willinger, Willinger, & Bucci PC immediately.
5 Myths About Criminal Defense
Criminal defense is a complex field that is often surrounded by misconceptions, and these myths can lead to misunderstandings and hinder individuals from seeking the Bridgeport, CT criminal defense lawyer they need. That said, it’s also important to be self-educated on these myths so that you can choose the right lawyer with confidence. Here are five of the most common misunderstandings about criminal defense.
“Only Guilty People Need Criminal Defense”
One prevalent myth is that only guilty individuals require the assistance of a criminal defense attorney. However, every person accused of a crime, regardless of their innocence or guilt, has the constitutional right to legal representation. Criminal defense attorneys play a vital role in protecting the rights of the accused, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal process, and challenging the prosecution’s case. Whether innocent or guilty, having a skilled criminal defense attorney is essential to navigating the complex criminal justice system.
“All Criminal Defense Attorneys Are the Same”
Another misconception is that all criminal defense attorneys provide the same level of service and expertise. In reality, the field of criminal defense is diverse, with attorneys specializing in different areas and possessing varying levels of experience. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is crucial as it can significantly impact the outcome of a case. Each attorney has unique skills, knowledge, and courtroom experience, so it is essential to find one who specializes in the specific area of criminal law relevant to your case.
“Criminal Defense Attorneys Enable Criminal Behavior”
There is a myth that a Bridgeport criminal defense lawyer may enable or condone criminal behavior by defending individuals accused of crimes. However, it is important to remember that criminal defense attorneys are bound by ethical obligations to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of justice. Their role is to advocate for their clients, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and ensure that the constitutional rights of the accused are protected. By providing a robust defense, criminal defense attorneys contribute to the integrity of the criminal justice system.
“Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Guarantee a Not Guilty Verdict”
While criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to defend their clients’ rights and secure favorable outcomes, it is a myth that they can guarantee a not-guilty verdict. The outcome of a criminal case depends on various factors, including the strength of the evidence, the effectiveness of the defense strategy, the credibility of witnesses, and the decisions of judges and juries. A skilled criminal defense attorney will strive to build the strongest possible defense and explore all legal avenues to achieve the best outcome for their clients. However, they cannot guarantee a specific result as it ultimately lies in the hands of the legal system.
“Public Defenders Are Ineffective”
There is a common misconception that public defenders, who are court-appointed attorneys for individuals who cannot afford private representation, are less effective than private criminal defense attorneys. While it is true that public defenders often handle heavy caseloads, they are experienced professionals dedicated to providing quality representation to their clients. Public defenders possess a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, have access to resources, and are committed to protecting the rights of their clients. While private attorneys may offer more individualized attention, public defenders are crucial in ensuring access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Don’t hesitate to contact our offices if you are looking for a trusted Bridgeport criminal defense lawyer. We take each consultation and case with the utmost precision and care.