When To Seek Legal Representation By A Sex Crime Lawyer In RI Criminal law attorneys usually assist clients who are suspected of committing or have already committed a serious crime (such as sexual assault), and these attorneys fight for their client's rights throughout the entire legal process. When it comes to sex crimes, for example, finding an adept sex crime lawyer could mean the difference between a lighter punishment, withdrawal of the charges (especially if you are innocent) or even a jail sentence. By ensuring that the accused's rights are upheld throughout the legal process, an accomplished criminal defense lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case, even in less serious cases. If you are accused of a crime or suspected of committing a crime, the consequences can be detrimental to your life and it is paramount to make sure that you are represented by a qualified, seasoned criminal defense lawyer, for these and many other reasons. To use a great example: in 2010, the FBI reported that over 1 200 violent crimes were registered in Providence, Rhode Island alone. Many of these cases involved sex crimes, including sexual assault and the trafficking of women and children. In the event of being charged with a sex crime, your best chance of proving your innocence may be to hire an expert sex crime lawyer in Rhode Island. They are not only experienced and well-informed, but also sensitive to the delicate nature of a person's interaction with the state, or federal criminal justice systems. Convictions for sex crimes will have a negative impact on your life. Your name will be permanently listed on the national sex offender register, tarnishing your name and reputation for the rest of your life, and you may be subject to life-altering consequences or almost certainly a jail sentence. This is devastating, but more so if you were wrongly accused despite being innocent. When should I seek legal advice from a criminal defense lawyer? You will need a sex crime lawyer in RI when you are officially charged, accused, or suspected of committing a sexual crime. Although everyone has the right to defend themselves in criminal procedures, it is not advisable to do so in the event of serious offenses such as sex crimes. Any person who has been arrested for a crime, regardless of its nature, has the right to remain silent and not take part in the police questioning without legal representation. However, should you decide to represent yourself without the assistance of a lawyer or any other legal professional, you run the risk of incriminating yourself further, due to your lack of legal knowledge and competence. A document outlining the accused's legal rights is typically given to an accused after their arrest, and a police officer will also recite your rights aloud during a formal arrest. These legal rights, among others, clearly state your right to remain silent and, if you so choose, your right to an attorney. Crimes of a sexual nature are treated very seriously by the justice system, and while bail can occasionally be set up by your attorney before your initial court appearance for other, less serious offenses, this is almost never the case with sex offenses. Therefore, it is advised that you get in touch with a sex crime attorney in RI as soon as you are accused of a sex crime. As a layman, you might not be conversant with criminal law and to cite a simple example, you won't know how to properly cross-examine defense witnesses, object to inadmissible evidence, or properly present your own case with evidence or testimony in court. The costs of legal representation In many cases, the accused may not be in a financial position to pay for the services of a private defense attorney but is nonetheless entitled to legal representation. The court will then appoint a public defender, but if you can afford a private criminal defense lawyer, it is important to be realistic about the costs. Finally, every lawyer typically sets his own rates based on the work they must perform, and the difficulty of the case. There can be a need for an upfront payment (deposit), and most lawyers often charge a fixed rate, which will be discussed during the initial consultation.
About us Since passing the bar exam in 2010, John Grasso has been practicing law in Rhode Island. As a lawyer and former police officer, he is in a unique position to have a thorough understanding of the law. He graduated from Roger Williams School of Law and went on to have a prosperous legal career in Rhode Island. John Grasso is also a professor of law, and teaches legal courses at the University of Roger Williams. John Grasso’s Law Practice always makes sure they work with their clients to obtain justice and the best outcome possible, even in the most difficult circumstances. This skilled group of defense lawyers is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to take on a wide variety of cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Please visit their website at http://www.johngrassolaw.com for more information.