If you are facing criminal charges, you have reason to be concerned about your future. What evidence does the prosecution have against you? How long has law enforcement been looking at you? Will you have a preliminary hearing? If so, what does that entail? What are the penalties associated with the charges that have been filed against you? These, and the hundreds of other questions that are racing through your mind, can be answered by the knowledgeable Columbia criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA.
If you have been charged with a crime, there is no time to wait. Contacting your experienced Columbia, MD, legal team at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, is the first, and most important step you should take. We have a team dedicated to defending specific crimes, so you can be confident that when we represent you, we are focused on the issues specific to your case. You can count on a thorough investigation of the facts, including an in depth look at the circumstances of your arrest and whether your constitutional rights have been protected throughout the process. We will examine documents, interview witnesses, and pursue every possible avenue as we construct a defense strategy. Our proficient Columbia defense attorneys will vigorously work on your behalf on a number of issues, including:
A criminal defense lawyer is an attorney who represents people facing criminal charges. They play a crucial role in the legal system by protecting the legal rights of criminal defendants and ensuring that there is a balance within the justice system. Their main intent should be to represent their clients well, and the work required to do this is not limited to the courtroom. The work done by the attorney to prepare for the case determines the outcome of many cases. This work can include, but is certainly not limited to:
The work that a criminal defense attorney puts into your case will likely be directly responsible for the outcome of your case. Therefore, it is important to find an attorney who is ready and willing to put in the necessary time to build your defense. These attorneys must also have full knowledge of criminal law and procedure to ensure that everyone follows the proper procedures.
Although you have been arrested on suspicion of a crime, you still have constitutional rights that must be preserved. The Fifth Amendment guarantees certain rights for anyone who is accused of a crime. These are more commonly known as the Miranda rights:
You also have a Sixth Amendment right to be represented by an attorney during every stage of the case. The importance of a criminal defense attorney cannot be overstated, as they are the buffer between you and the complex judicial system—your rights reflect this fact. Your attorney will be a valuable source of information and advice while ensuring that your rights are protected.
Although you do have rights during an arrest, there are still actions to take that will help the situation. Getting arrested is no picnic. Being handcuffed, riding in the cage of a police vehicle, being fingerprinted, strip searched, and confined can be quite traumatic. Although you may be tempted to become resistant and/or belligerent, try to keep your cool and follow these tips:
Although both private defense attorneys and public defenders are lawyers who could defend you from criminal charges, there are important differences between the two.
A private defense attorney, or criminal attorney, is someone hired by the defendant or their family. You choose the attorney that you hire, and you can fire them if necessary.
A public defender is appointed by the court for the defendant. However, not everyone will qualify for this service. If you cannot afford a private attorney, you may be eligible for a public defender. To prove your need, you will be required to submit a financial affidavit that explains your financial situation. Only those who are not employed are entitled to a public defender; having a job will exclude you from being able to use this service.
Although there are benefits to using public defenders, there is a clear advantage to using criminal defense attorneys instead. According to a study conducted by trial judge Morris B. Hoffman, defendants who hired a criminal defense attorney were not only less likely to go to jail than those who used a public defender, but any jail time they received was also likely to be shorter.
Choosing a defense attorney for your case is not a decision to take lightly. It is vital to make an informed decision between the available options in your area. The following are considerations you can use to help determine the quality of an attorney:
Having a talented lawyer by your side to explain your options, advise you, and safeguard your interests can have a significant impact on your future. That is why, at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, our emphasis is on protecting you, the client. For over 20 years, we have been dedicated to ensuring that our Columbia community is well-represented if anyone is facing criminal charges. Contact our Columbia criminal defense lawyers at 410-766-0113 to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.
Empire Towers
7310 Ritchie Highway, Suite 910
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Phone: 410-766-0113
Fax: 410-766-0270
30 Corporate Center
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Suite 900
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: 410-964-0050