Criminal Defense Attorneys in Utica, NY Obtaining Positive Results for Our Clients

Being arrested and facing the possibility of spending time in jail or having a criminal record can be stressful and overwhelming, to say the least. A criminal conviction, in most cases, is permanent and can negatively affect many aspects of your life.

A criminal record can hamper you from being able to obtain employment, especially if your crime pertains to theft or drugs. It can also prohibit you from obtaining housing, enrolling in higher education institutions, qualifying for student loans, maintaining a professional license, or qualifying for various types of state assistance.

The attorneys of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC understand that good people make errors in judgment that cause them to end up in the criminal justice system. Consequently, we strive to treat each client with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

If you have been charged with a criminal act, it is imperative that you hire an experienced attorney who has a proven track record of successfully winning cases and achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Contact our law offices by calling (315) 500-6425 to schedule a free initial case review where an attorney can explain your legal options and address any questions or concerns that you may have going forward.

What Should I Bring With Me When I First Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney?

In an effort to save time, you should come as well prepared as you can to your initial meeting with a criminal defense attorney. It is vital that you bring all of the documents that you may have that pertain to your arrest or the investigation of your case.

These documents may include copies of any charges, search warrants, subpoenas, or appearance tickets. In addition, if law enforcement executed a search warrant on your residence or place of employment and seized any items, they should have provided you a list of all of the property that was removed. Your attorney will need this information as well as the names and addresses of any witnesses.

During this initial meeting, your criminal defense attorney will review all of the materials that you have submitted. The next step will be to formalize and determine the best strategy and defense to implement based on the circumstances of your case.

Is it Mandatory That I Appear in Court if I Have Been Charged With a Crime?

Typically, if you have been charged with a crime, it is mandatory that you appear in court to answer the charges that have been presented against you. It does not matter if the crime that you have been charged with is a misdemeanor or a felony. It should be noted that you will most likely have to appear before the court a number of times before your case is finally resolved.

However, there are some situations in which an attorney may appear on your behalf. You cannot take it for granted that this is permitted in your particular case. It is always best to consult with your attorney as to whether or not your presence is required for a court date.

If for any reason you cannot appear on your set court date, it is of vital importance that you contact both your lawyer and the court clerk to inform them as to why you cannot attend and so that your appearance may be rescheduled. Failing to appear for a court date could cause a warrant to be issued for your arrest. Failing to appear in court can also hurt your case in the long term.

What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

In very general terms, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the severity of the crime that has been committed. If the penalty for the crime only carries a maximum incarceration of one year or less, it is considered to be a misdemeanor. However, a felony charge occurs when the alleged crime is considered to be of a more serious nature. If the penalty for a crime is that of incarceration of one year or more, then the offense is charged as a felony.

Some examples of misdemeanors include shoplifting, marijuana offenses, or minor drug charges such as possession. Felonies include rape, murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and robbery.

Although some crimes may be considered misdemeanors, they may actually end up being charged as felonies depending on the severity of the offense and whether a weapon was involved.

Will Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Guarantee a Good Outcome for Me?

Criminal defense lawyers cannot make any promises or guarantees regarding the outcome of your case. Every case is different due to the individual circumstances that surround the criminal charge.

An experienced attorney can, however, provide you with some examples of previous cases that they have defended in an effort to show how your particular case may proceed. Nevertheless, a successful outcome in a case that is similar to yours does not mean that you will be able to obtain the same type of resolution. It is vital that you disclose all aspects of your case to your lawyer so that they can determine the best defense strategy for you.

The attorneys of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC are ready and available to review your circumstances and explain how to handle your particular criminal case. It is imperative that you meet with an attorney as soon as possible after you have been arrested and charged with a crime. Often your own memory, as well as those of witnesses, can fade and become uncertain over time. Evidence can quickly disappear or become unavailable to your defense team, and this can negatively impact your case.

Contact our law offices by calling (315) 500-6425 and scheduling a free strategy session with one of our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys today.