Maine Violent Crimes Lawyer
The criminal justice system in Maine can be intimidating to anyone who has been charged with a violent crime. However, you have rights, and you deserve a good defense. You don’t have to cower in the criminal courts when you have an experienced defense attorney to protect you.
When you hire a violent crimes lawyer from David J. Bobrow Office of Law, LLC, you hire someone who knows all corners of the criminal justice system and the best strategies for keeping you out of harm’s way. You can contact us today for a case review.
What Is a Violent Crime?
Violent crimes include offenses that involve the threat of physical harm or actual physical harm to another person. Some violent crimes in the state and their possible punishments include:
- Aggravated assault. The intentional, reckless, or knowing causing of serious bodily injury to another person. The punishment is up to 30 years in prison and a serious fine.
- Robbery. The committing or attempted committing of theft that threatens the use of force against a person, involves the reckless or intentional causing of bodily injury against a person, or involves a dangerous weapon. The punishment is up to 30 years in prison and a serious fine, depending on the facts.
- Manslaughter. The intentional, reckless, or criminally negligent causing of another person’s death that doesn’t count as murder. The punishment is up to 30 years in prison and a serious fine.
- Murder. The intentional, depraved, or knowingly causing another’s death. The punishment is life imprisonment or a term of years, depending on the facts.
These are just a few violent crimes defined in the state’s statutes. Each crime has unique elements, possible defenses, and factors that might soften punishment (mitigating factors).
Criminal assault and criminal battery fall under the same umbrella of assault in Maine, and assault has been one of the most common arrests in the state. Of course, not everyone arrested for assault is guilty of the crime. An assault and battery lawyer from our office can help you maintain your innocence through every step of any criminal case you face.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Arrested?
Ask for an attorney right away, and do not volunteer information. The police might use your fear and confusion at the time of arrest to get you to incriminate yourself (make yourself look guilty). Many people fall for these tricks, even when they are innocent. Your best defense against law enforcement strategies is to stay silent and contact an attorney immediately—it is your right to do so. Our attorneys can help ensure you are not kept in police custody longer than necessary and that you don’t say anything that could be used against you in court.
The Process After Being Charged
Once law enforcement charges you with a violent crime in Maine, you can expect to go through the following stages of a criminal case.
Initial Appearance Before the Court
Those arrested and charged for a crime appear before a judge who explains the charges, lists the defendant’s rights, and addresses bail issues. Having a lawyer at this stage is very important.
Grand Jury Indictment
Certain serious criminal cases in Maine cannot move forward until a defendant is indicted (formally accused of a crime) by a grand jury. At least 12 jurors need to agree to indict a criminal defendant. A defense attorney has a right to challenge the qualifications of potential grand jurors.
Pre-Trial Proceedings
The prosecution and defense exchange evidence before trial. Both sides may file motions to suppress (exclude) evidence, dismiss charges, or address procedural issues.
Plea Negotiations
A defendant is innocent until proven guilty and has a right to maintain their innocence until the final verdict. However, some criminal defendants choose to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution and end their case early by admitting guilt. If you want to try a plea agreement, our attorneys can negotiate an agreement involving the fewest possible consequences for you.
Trial
If the attorneys cannot reach an agreement, a defendant’s case goes to trial, where a judge or jury will decide guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.
Sentencing
If the court convicts a defendant, the judge sentences the defendant based on the guidelines in the state’s statutes, the defendant’s criminal history, and the case details.
How an Assault and Battery Lawyer Can Help
When facing charges for a violent crime, having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side is very important. A lawyer can help:
- Explain your rights. We can ensure you understand your legal rights and protect them throughout the process.
- Build a strong defense. We can review the evidence, interview witnesses, and point out weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Challenge evidence. If law enforcement violated your rights during their investigation, we can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Negotiate plea deals. We can work to get you a favorable plea agreement.
- Represent you at trial. If your case goes to trial, we can fiercely argue on your behalf, presenting strong evidence and cross-examining (thoroughly questioning) witnesses to fight for the best possible outcome.
- Minimize penalties. We can argue for the court to go easy on you during sentencing, emphasizing mitigating factors such as lack of prior offenses or evidence of rehabilitation.
We provide compassionate counsel to our clients throughout each case. Our attorneys know how hard it is to face the criminal justice system and want to make it as easy as possible for everyone.
David J. Bobrow Office of Law, LLC is on Your Side
As an award-winning criminal defense team, we work hard to provide the best defense to the people of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. A violent crimes lawyer from our firm can give you the personal attention and knowledgeable guidance you deserve. Contact us by phone or online today to schedule an appointment. Together, we can take on this challenge and protect your rights at every turn.