Criminal Defense FAQ’s

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At the onset of a law enforcement interrogation you are most likely temporarily detained, such as a motor vehicle stop, and are not free to leave or go about your business. As such, a Miranda warning does not necessarily need to be elicited during this initial line of questioning as it is considered a field inquiry. Accordingly it is recommended that you answer the field questions without incriminating yourself. There is an obligation for you to answer these basic questions (i.e. where are you coming from?, did you consume any alcoholic beverages this evening?, where are you heading?) otherwise the officer maintains the discretion to skip this line of questioning, arrest you and then supplement the state’s charges against you to further include obstruction of administration of law. So please bear in mind, you are not constitutionally permitted to remain 100% silent, as our Fifth Amendment has its limited applicability in scope when being questioned. Simply put, cooperate on a basic level, be respectful, do not incriminate yourself by attempting to “explain your situation” and once an arrest commences (i.e. the temporary detainment of you and your property becomes permanent) then you are in a position where you do not have to say anything as the “field inquiry” has graduated to an “custodial box interrogation”.
Do not say or do anything. Do not attempt to explain yourself to the authorities as trickery is constitutionally permitted by all law enforcement. Utilize your phone contact and seek professional advisement immediately from a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
A “No Bail” means that you can neither post bail nor hire a bail bondsman to post bail for you. Your only effective option is to have an attorney file and argue a Notice of Motion to Modify No Bail status before the court.
The Bail Reform Act has for all intents and purposes removed bail from our criminal procedure. It has implemented a new protocol where you shall be evaluated in two categories: Criminal Case History and Risk of Flight. Each category maintains a six point system and depending on where you fall in this judicial analysis, the court will determine whether you are to be remanded to county jail or released on your own recognizance. An initial hearing (CJP) will be set shortly after your arrest to immediately determine the outcome to this analysis. Should you wish to challenge your CJP decision you must do so by formal motion to the court.
This is where you or your family is permitted to bond real property to satisfy the bail amount (typically when no 10% option exists). A legitimate appraisal of present market value must be proven to the reviewing judge for you to prevail on this application.
In the event a large amount of money is necessary to be produced to the court for a client’s release the judge may require a source hearing. The onus is on the defense to prove to the state that the capital used for bail is derived from a legally accountable source compliant with state and federal law.
The textbook answer is all seized property not subject to civil forfeiture is only released after sentencing has occurred. The exception is items not necessary for the state’s prosecution may be returned to you should the government agree with your defense counsel. Legal property such as a motor vehicle directly connected to a crime may only be returned after sentence or become subject to a civil forfeiture litigation as it becomes state property when held in connection with criminal wrongdoing. Any contraband or CDS cannot be returned at any time as it is illegal for the government to return same.
Your attorney will make application to the court in the event your case involves co-defendants. The reasoning for this is based upon the fact that these individuals may be called by the state to testify against you and vice versa.
This motion challenges the constitutionality of how the government came into contact with you (i.e. it calls the court’s attention to examine how your officer encountered you in person or the reason for your motor vehicle stop, or entry onto or into your premises). In the event your attorney succeeds in arguing to the court your “search and seizure” was illegal all evidence in possession of the state is deemed “fruit of the poisonous tree” and the entire case will be dismissed with prejudice.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent counsel for advice on any legal matter.

Practice Areas

Experience

Suppression Hearings/Trials: 500+; Disorderly Conduct; Simple/Aggravated Assault; Robbery; Burglary; Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS); Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute; School Zone Distribution; Interstate Drug Trafficking/ Conspiracy; CDS Manufacturing/ Distribution; Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose; DWI/DUI; Vehicular Homicide/ Manslaughter; Carjacking; Eluding; Resisting Arrest; Receiving Stolen Property; Official Misconduct; Embezzlement; Tampering; Mortgage/Bank Loan Fraud; Theft; Shoplifting

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