Being charged with a criminal offense, misdemeanor or felony. is never an easy position to be put in. You may be unsure how to navigate your case or which choices you make that can negatively influence the outcome of your case. A popular Houston defense attorney like Lanease Fuller can make a huge difference in your case.
Working with an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney provides you with helpful insight and advice for what to do to get your charges lessened or in some situations even get your case dismissed. Attorney Fuller does more than just provide legal advice, she advocates for your best interest every step of the way.
If you have a case that she believes in, she will not back down. As a trial lawyer she is comfortable representing you for a wide range of criminal charges including sex crimes, drug offenses, family violence, theft, DUIs, and more.
Attorney Fuller understands the system and does everything in her power to help you get your charges lowered or dropped. Don’t get left with a permanent criminal record just because you were in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Instead, contact our team today.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Assignment of the Case
A criminal defense lawyer may be contacted directly by the defendant or may be assigned the case by the court. Many criminal defense lawyers are public defenders who are paid by the public defender’s office. They are appointed cases by local, state or federal courts. Other criminal defense lawyers are hired by private firms. Some criminal defense lawyers have an independent legal office that they man themselves. Public defenders tend to be paid a lower salary than private lawyers and also tend to have a higher case load due to the referral process and the pay coming from individuals other than defendants. In some cases, a court may appoint a private lawyer to take a specific case.
Interview about the Case
Once the criminal defense lawyer has the opportunity to meet personally with the client, he or she should try to get as many details about the case as possible. By asking specific questions about the case, he or she can learn about possible defenses and strengths and weaknesses about the case. This requires a careful and thorough questioning of the defendant.
Investigation into the Case
In addition to asking the criminal defendant pointed questions about the case, he or she must further investigate the case to determine any possible avenues of acquitting the defendant. This often includes questioning police about the procedures that they used in conjunction with the case. It may also include talking to witnesses who have information about the case and collecting information about the case. All of this information is used to try to build a strong defense for the case. If an expert witness is used in the case, the criminal defense lawyer may interview him or her about the testimony he or she may provide and the evidence that may be presented in the case.
A criminal defense lawyer has the right to review the prosecution’s case before it is submitted to the jury. This allows him or her to find any holes in the case against the defendant and to try to find evidence that may refute the prosecutor’s case, such as hiring an independent lab or expert to test evidence in the case.
Analysis of Evidence
Analyzing the evidence against a criminal defendant requires the criminal defense lawyer to carefully study the facts and theories of the case. He or she may have evidence independently tested. Additionally, he or she may examine the evidence to determine if there are any legal theories that work against the conviction of his or her client.
Continued Contact with the Client
A criminal defense lawyer must stay in contact with his or her client to explain any developments in the case and to keep him or her informed about the case. The lawyer must ensure that conversations with the client are kept confidential. The lawyer must also ensure that he or she communicates information about the case to the client so that he or she has a better understanding of the possible consequences.
Jury Selection
A criminal defense lawyer assists with the jury selection process. He or she may try to have jurors removed for cause if they may be biased against the defendant or even if he or she simply has a bad feeling about a potential juror.
Plea Bargaining
A criminal defense lawyer is also responsible for talking about the status of the case and negotiating with the prosecutor regarding any particular plea bargain. A criminal defense lawyer may be able to help secure a favorable deal for the defendant that results in a reduction of charges or the possible punishment.
Trial Participation
A criminal defense lawyer fights for his or her client during the trial. He or she examines witnesses, cross-examines the state’s witnesses and tries to convince the jury that the prosecution has failed to meet its burden of proof.
Sentencing
If the criminal defendant is sentenced for the crime either because he or she accepted a plea bargain or was convicted by the judge or jury, a criminal defense lawyer can represent the defendant during the sentencing phase. He or she may discuss factors that can help convince the judge or jury to limit the amount of time that the defendant serves and to discuss possible alternatives to incarceration.
Working with a popular Houston defense attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system in the Houston area. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with our law office.
Why Should I Hire Attorney Lanease Fuller?
Attorney Lanease Fuller has helped over one thousand individuals navigate their legal struggles over the last three decades. She has a 98% success rate with her clients, making her a stand out attorney. If you are interested in scheduling a no obligation free consultation with a top Houston attorney, contact our criminal defense law firm today.
Experienced Houston Defense Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Attorney Fuller is a seasoned attorney with nearly three decades of experience representing a wide range of clients. This includes individuals who have suffered an injury due to another’s actions, individuals facing criminal charges, those who have been arrested for DWI, individuals who have found themselves in a civil litigation dispute, and those looking for legal guidance in business.
After filling out a client intake form, Attorney Lanease D. Fuller will take appropriate action in your case to help you get the results you are looking for. This includes but not limited to gathering evidence, going to trial, and earning a settlement that is appropriate for your specific situation. Reach out to us today to take the first step towards settling your case.
LANEASE D. FULLER LAW
4615 S. Frwy St. 820
Houston, TX 77051
713-439-7400
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