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How Good Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help Reduce Charges in NYC
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How Good Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help Reduce Charges in NYC
Identifying Illegal Searches
If evidence against you was obtained illegally through an improper search, a good lawyer can get that evidence thrown out. For example, if the police searched you or your property without a warrant, or probable cause, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence. This could result in key evidence being inadmissible in court, weakening the prosecutions case.
Questioning the Validity of Confessions
Many criminal cases rely heavily on an alleged confession by the defendant. But sometimes these confessions are coerced or given under duress. A lawyer can question the validity of a confession, for example if you werent read your Miranda rights properly. Getting an invalid confession thrown out could poke major holes in the prosecutions argument.
Negotiating Plea Deals
An experienced NYC defense lawyer is a master negotiator. In many cases they can negotiate with prosecutors to get you a favorable plea deal. This usually involves pleading guilty to a less serious charge in exchange for avoiding a lengthy trial. While you still end up with a criminal record, the penalties and impact on your life are significantly reduced.
Using Affirmative Defenses
There are many so-called “affirmative defenses” that can justify otherwise illegal behavior. For example, if you committed a crime due to mental defect or duress, or acted in self-defense, a lawyer can argue you should not be held fully culpable. Presenting evidence to prove an affirmative defense can sometimes lead to charges being lessened or dropped.
Disputing Evidence
Evidence doesnt always tell the whole story, and skilled criminal defense lawyers know this. They can often find inconsistencies or flaws in the prosecutions evidence, whether its DNA samples, eyewitness accounts, police reports, surveillance footage, or forensics. Poking holes in the evidence could raise reasonable doubt in the minds of judges and juries.
Questioning Witness Credibility
Many criminal trials come down to “he said, she said” arguments based on witness testimony. An experienced attorney knows how to raise doubts about the credibility of prosecution witnesses. For example, by bringing up a witnesses potential bias, or prior inconsistent statements theyve made. This could make their testimony seem less believable.
As you can see, a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer has many strategies they can use to get charges reduced or dropped. But its important to remember that the quality of representation makes a big difference. A top-notch NYC defense attorney may be expensive, but they can sometimes achieve outcomes that a bargain lawyer simply cant.
At the end of the day, fighting criminal charges is an uphill battle. But having the right legal fighter in your corner can make all the difference. So if youre facing prosecution in New York City, be sure to seek out an attorney who knows all the angles and will tirelessly defend your rights and freedom.
References
New York State Unified Court System – Criminal Courts
Affirmative Defense | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute