Dealing with a criminal trial is overwhelming in virtually all aspects, and our attorneys can help defendants navigate their cases and defend charges in Kearns.
As soon as the police question you about your knowledge of or involvement in a crime, you should contact our attorneys. Even if it does not appear as though you are a person of interest when questioning you, the police could have an alternative motive: arresting you. Especially after you are arrested and before you are formally indicted for a crime, have our lawyers review the impending charges and the reasons for your arrest. This will enable us to prepare for all aspects of your upcoming case, including ensuring the bail amount set is fair based on the charges, your record, and your standing in the community.
Call Overson & Bugden’s Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyers for a free and confidential case assessment at (801) 758-2287.
When to Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Kearns, UT
Ideally, you would contact our attorneys immediately after being contacted or questioned by the police about your potential involvement in a crime to anticipate or avoid arrest by providing an alibi or other evidence. However, we can also help at later stages in cases, such as after you have been arrested or formally charged with a crime in Kearns. Involving our attorneys as soon as possible is crucial so we have the most time to prepare for a potential trial if the case goes that far.
If You Are Arrested
After an arrest, call our attorneys immediately. Police officers may only arrest you without a warrant under certain circumstances, such as if they witness a crime taking place. They must also follow certain protocols during and after arrest, so pay attention to their actions so our attorneys can determine if they violated your rights at any time. Listen to what they say and watch what they do as best as you can.
Getting arrested can be a frightening and confusing experience. Officers might serve warrants at your place of work or home in an attempt to embarrass you and provoke an emotional response. It is important to stay calm in these situations and call our criminal defense lawyers rather than speak to the police independently. Our attorneys can read the arrest warrant and figure out why you were brought in before you are officially arraigned on any criminal charges in Kearns. We can oversee your possessing as well to ensure your rights are protected throughout this period.
If You Are Brought in for Questioning
Even if the police ask you to come in for informal questioning under the guise of you potentially knowing something about one of the actors involved, you should have our attorneys present. In reality, law enforcement might actually be investigating you but trying to hide that fact. This could be an attempt to corner you or ambush you with circumstantial evidence without representation present so that you are unprepared and misspeak. Even if you do not believe the police are investigating you for a crime, having our lawyers present during all times of questioning is crucial to protect yourself, as law enforcement may not have your best interest in mind when investigating a crime they think you are connected to.
If You Are Charged with a Crime
If you are formally charged with a crime and indicted in court and are about to stand trial for an alleged offense, do not hesitate to contact our lawyers. One of the most important things to understand is the severity of the charge against you and what it would mean to be convicted. Our attorneys can also start reviewing the prosecution’s case during this time and preparing your defense. Even after you are indicted, we may negotiate lesser charges in exchange for a plea deal or get the charges against you dismissed after further investigation. Being charged with a crime does not necessarily mean that the case will go all the way to trial in Kearns.
Arranging Bail During Criminal Cases in Kearns, UT
Bail is generally set during a criminal defendant’s initial court appearance following their arrest, sometimes at the same time as arraignment when they enter their plea. Our attorneys can be ready for this process and argue for a fair bail amount to be set in your case so that you can be part of your defense during the trial.
When a judge sets bail, they allow a criminal defendant to be released for their trial, for a price. Fortunately, your family will only have to pay about 10% of the total amount set by the judge in your case, which could make posting bail more accessible.
Utah’s has guidelines that influence bail amounts for certain charges, though individual judges can alter mounts based on specific factors. For example, to get lower bail, our lawyers may demonstrate your ties to your community, your lack of previous criminal convictions, and your family’s financial dependence on you. Without our attorneys present during your bail hearing, the prosecution might succeed in requesting a high amount you and your family cannot afford, preventing you from actively participating in your defense and keeping you in jail during the trial.
Bail can be posted through cash payments in court or via a bail bond company, and our attorneys can explain the process so that you can return home after an arrest instead of waiting trial in a jail cell. Assuming that the judge will not set a high bail in your case because of the offense you are charged with could leave you in a difficult situation if you do not have an attorney in your corner during the bail hearing in Utah.
Call Our Attorneys to Discuss a Criminal Case in Kearns, UT
Call the criminal defense lawyers of Overson & Bugden (801) 758-2287 for help with your case today.
