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1. Every Crime Should Be Taken
Seriously.
Any time you are
charged with a crime, it is serious.
Something as simple as speeding cancarry 30 days in jail.
Other misdemeanors can carry eleven months and twenty-nine days
in jail. Felonies can carry
anywhere from one year in prison to life in prison without parole or
even death!
2.
Always Use A Lawyer.
If you are arrested you need a lawyer.
Your first call should be to your lawyer or to your family to
arrange a lawyer.
3.
Here’s Why You Need A Lawyer.
Lawyers
spend three years in Law school and years in practice learning how to
protect your rights.
Was your car searched illegally?
Did you confess after asking for a lawyer?
Is there something wrong with the warrant or indictment that
charges you?
Most lay people do not have the training to answer these
questions.
Your lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if there is a
defense to the charge.
4.
Do Not Plead Guilty Without Using A Lawyer.
If
you have committed a crime, that attitude is commendable.
But do you want to spend a lot of time in jail?
Just because you are guilty of a crime, does not necessarily mean
a lot of jail time.
Many sentences are served on probation.
If you simply go into court and plead guilty, do you know if you
are getting a good deal?
You are better off with an attorney to defend your rights.
5.
What happens in General Sessions Court?
Most people are arrested on a warrant.
If you are arrested on a warrant and released on bail, you will
be given a court date with time to appear in General Sessions.
If the case is a misdemeanor, it can be resolved in General
Sessions Court. If it is a
felony or if you want a trial by jury, the case must be sent to the
grand jury and then to Criminal Court.
6.
What IF You Can’t Afford A Lawyer?
Each Judicial District has a fine Public Defender’s Office.
If you can’t afford an attorney, you should ask for court
appointed counsel. It is your constitutional right to have an attorney and that
is one right you should never waive.
7.
What Happens After General Sessions Court?
If your case goes on to Criminal Court, then you will most likely be
indicted. After the
indictment is returned, you go to Criminal Court for a trial by jury.
If you are convicted after a jury trial, then you may appeal your
case to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, the Tennessee Supreme
Court or even the United States Supreme Court.
8.
What Should I DO First?
First, call my office for an appointment.
Talk is cheap, or in this case, free.
I do not charge for initial appointments.
Some lawyers do. I
do not. I will discuss your
case with you at no charge and tell you what I believe I can do for you.
After we meet, if you believe my service can help you, then I
will explain how to retain me. For
your convenience, I accept Visa and Mastercard. |
