Criminal Lawyer Questions

Serving Nashville, Tennessee

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What is the most important thing to look for in a criminal defense attorney?

The most important thing to look for in a criminal attorney is experience. The more experience an attorney has, the more likely he or she will be to expertly plead your case. In addition, take a look at the attorney's records. How many of his or her cases have ended with a "not guilty" verdict or a dismissal of the case? The larger this number is, the more likely the attorney will be to achieve a positive result for your case, as well.

What should I do if I am arrested?

If you're arrested, there are several things you definitely should not do. These include:

  • Don't be belligerent, aggressive, or rude toward the police
  • Don't say anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt
  • Don't speak to anyone about the case without your attorney present

Any of these actions could severely undermine your attorney's ability to defend you successfully. Use common sense in your interactions with law enforcement, and remain calm and polite, and you'll be more likely to achieve a satisfactory conclusion to your case. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

What's the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?

A criminal case is brought against an individual by a local, state or federal government agency, referred to as the "state." The result of a criminal case usually involves meting out some form of punishment to a convicted person, whether that be jail time, a fine, or some sort of house arrest or probation. Guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt in order to gain a conviction.

A civil case is brought against an individual or organization by another individual or organization. The result of a civil case usually involves a monetary settlement. One individual claims to have been injured in some way by another, and if the case is proven, the injured individual receives a cash settlement intended to help alleviate the injury.

Because the goals of a civil case are different from those of a criminal case, the two types of cases are handled differently, and are ruled by a different set of laws.

Can the police search my home or vehicle without a warrant?

Under most circumstances, police cannot enter your home without a warrant or your consent. If they have reason to believe someone within your home is in danger, they can enter without a warrant, as well as under certain other circumstances, such as if they believe you to be a flight risk. The rules are less strict for search of a car. Police can search a car if they have probable cause to believe there might be evidence or an endangered person in the car. However, police must be cautious about searches without warrants, as evidence gained in this way runs a risk of being dismissed in court if a judge doesn't feel the officer acted appropriately.

If you are in need of a qualified Nashville, Tennessee criminal lawyer, please contact James R. Omer & Associates. Our experienced criminal attorneys will fight for you and for a satisfactory conclusion to your case.

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