Except for the least serious offenses, you’ll typically enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment. The bond or bail might be reviewed, and a date for the next court hearing will be set.
If you hire us before the arraignment, we’ll accompany you to court. In some cases, your presence might be waived, allowing us to appear on your behalf so you can continue with your daily life.
We advise all clients who have been released on bond to be ready for drug testing. If you test positive, there’s a risk that the judge could send you back to jail. In other words, avoid using any illegal drugs after your release.
Am I going to remain in custody while the case is pending?
Yes, unless you post bond or are released due to overcrowding in the jail. If someone has been arrested or charges have been filed, it’s crucial to work on getting them released from custody. Facing criminal charges is challenging enough without the added stress of being in jail. Having someone out of custody can make the rest of the case much easier to handle. Additionally, being out of jail allows individuals to continue their daily lives and focus on preparing a stronger defense.
Can I plead not guilty even if I am guilty?
Yes, you are considered innocent until proven guilty. The evidence against you might not be enough to prove your guilt. To find out if you’ve actually committed a crime, we will investigate the details and look into the law, which can be complicated. You might feel guilty about a mistake, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it meets the legal definition of a crime.
Can the charges against me be reduced?
Every case is unique. We will look into the details, review the police report, and speak with the assistant district attorney about possibly reducing or dropping the charges. Sometimes clients hire us too late for us to contact the screening attorney early on. New facts might come to light as the case progresses, which could lead to a reduction in charges later. There is always a chance for charges to be reduced until a jury delivers a verdict.
When should I hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you’re being accused or might be accused of a crime, it’s always best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. We believe that having a lawyer involved early on is crucial for a strong defense. This means you should hire a lawyer before you testify before a grand jury, answer questions from law enforcement, or if you’re arrested or charged with a crime. Even if you haven’t been charged yet, it’s often a good idea to get a criminal defense attorney involved early. Sometimes, a lawyer and their investigators can uncover important evidence that might convince the prosecutor not to pursue the case.
From the beginning, we can protect you from police questioning, interview your witnesses promptly, and contact prosecutors when necessary. We offer various services to help you manage this often confusing and stressful process. With your permission, we can also work with your family and friends to get the best results both now and in the future. The sooner we start working on your case, the better your chances for a successful outcome.
Many clients have mentioned that they hesitated to call us earlier because they worried it might look like they were guilty, or they hoped that nothing would happen because they believed they were innocent. Don’t make these mistakes that could seriously impact your life.
WHEN YOUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE, HIRE A TRUE NEW ORLEANS CRIMINAL DEFENSE FIRM
A criminal conviction can have a serious impact on your life. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Louisiana, choose a firm that focuses exclusively on criminal defense in the New Orleans area. At the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients against criminal charges. We are committed to fighting for the best outcome for you and your family. Call us at (504) 368-8440 or reach out online to schedule your initial consultation with our New Orleans criminal lawyers.
