A felony is a serious crime that is accompanied by imprisonment, steep fines, and, in some cases, paying restitution to the victim. Just being charged with a felony does not automatically make you guilty of the crime. In many cases, the accusations against you may be completely unjustified, based loosely upon an eyewitness'; account.
If you are facing felony allegations, you need to speak with our Ventura criminal defense lawyers at your earliest convenience.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony
Approximately 77,000 suspects are arrested each year based on eyewitness testimony alone. When evidence is scarce, law enforcement will often make an arrest based on a witness’s statement. There are many factors that can make eyewitness testimony untrustworthy, such as poor lighting or a lapse in memory. Studies have shown that over 50% of all wrongful convictions in a given year can be attributed to eyewitness testimonies.
Steps to Take Following a Felony Arrest or Charge
A felony charge will not go away on its own. If you have been charged with a felony, you should act appropriately to protect your freedom.
Remain Silent
If you have been arrested, you have the right to remain silent, known as invoking your Miranda Rights. Miranda Rights originated in the Supreme Court case of Miranda v. Arizona. In Miranda, the defendant signed a written confession after two hours of being interrogated by police officers. The Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement could only use a defendant’s testimony if the individual was first made aware of their rights against self-incrimination.
By invoking your Miranda Rights, you are protected from providing information that can be used against you in court. The less evidence the prosecution has against you, the better the chance of an acquittal.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Most people are not well-versed in the law. If you are facing accusations of a criminal offense, you need experienced counsel by your side. Do not be fooled; you need to hire representation even if the accusations against you are false.
Why, though? A criminal defense lawyer will track court deadlines, know what motions are relevant in your case, and know what evidence will provide the strongest defense. There are many moving factors in a criminal investigation and trial, and by hiring dedicated counsel, you are ensuring that your case will be handled with the care it merits.
Gather Evidence
Any exculpatory evidence that you can provide will strengthen your case. The prosecution is focused on proving your guilt, but any receipts or evidence that shows you were elsewhere at the time of the crime can get the charges against you dropped.
You cannot be expected to know what evidence will support your case, so that is why it is important to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
Speak with Our Ventura Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
Being accused of a felony can put anyone into a state of panic. Between being fingerprinted, having mugshots taken, and managing scheduled court dates, you may be left in a daze. If you have been charged with a felony, our Ventura criminal defense lawyers are here to help. To schedule your free case evaluation, contact us by phone or by completing our online contact form.
