What Are Your Rights in a Violent Crime Case?

Do You Know Your Rights?

You were in a fight, somebody called the police, and when they arrived on the scene, the other person said that you started the fight. You were arrested, and at your arraignment you were charged with assault. Maybe you got into a heated argument with your spouse and after the altercation you were charged with domestic violence. You could even be accused of a serious felony offense such as robbery or murder. Whatever the situation, you now find yourself facing criminal prosecution and the possibility of jail or prison. Do you know what to do to defend your freedom?

Your best option for avoiding a conviction is to contact Hochheiser & Hochheiser LLP, a team of tough attorneys who fight aggressively to defend their clients' rights. With more than 60 years of combined experience and a long track record of high-profile cases, they know how to get results. A New York City violent crime lawyer from the firm will meet with you personally to discuss your charges and explain your rights.

Whether you committed the crime or have been falsely accused, your Constitutional rights are your greatest protection against the damage a conviction could cause to your future. The Sixth Amendment secures your right to an attorney at all times during a criminal investigation and prosecution. Success in your case may depend on exercising this right, as an experienced lawyer will be able to guide your actions and prevent you from making self-incriminating statements. Your right against testifying against yourself is covered by the Fifth Amendment, and the importance of "pleading the Fifth" cannot be overstated. There is practically nothing you can say to investigators which will improve your situation. If you have been arrested, the police already believe you have committed a crime, and questioning will be aimed at gathering information from you to build the case. Their job is to find evidence to convict you, and they are good enough at this and do not need you to help them by talking.

Contact Our Firm to Protect Your Rights!

One of the most important rights you have during a violent crime investigation is to bring your attorney to a line-up. The police are typically intent on solving the case and putting the suspect behind bars, and will often use suggestive techniques to get a witness to identify the suspect in a line-up. Your attorney can be present to monitor the proceedings and help guard against a false identification, which is the leading cause of wrongful conviction in the country.

The attorneys of the firm have an excellent reputation throughout the city and are known for fighting tenaciously inside and outside of the courtroom to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. When you work with the firm, the prosecutor will recognize that you are committed to exonerating yourself and will not settle for an unfavorable result. The attorneys take your rights just as seriously as you do, and will stand by you as your case progresses to advise you of how to act, to intervene on your behalf and to zealously defend your freedom.

Contact Hochheiser & Hochheiser LLPimmediately after you have been arrested for a violent crime, to learn more about your rights and begin work on your defense.