There are a lot of things that a person who doesn’t have much knowledge of the law can learn from a Criminal Attorney in Bel Air MD. For example, some people don’t know that having past convictions can lead to harsher penalties. They might be under the assumption that things done in the past don’t matter as long as the cases were resolved. Some places will also use diversion programs for defendants who are first-time offenders, so past convictions can be important. Some people are able to get their records expunged in certain jurisdictions. That can help them with housing and employment opportunities.
A Criminal Attorney in Bel Air MD knows that under certain circumstances law enforcement need warrants to conduct searches. If a police officer needs a warrant and conducts a search without a person’s consent, the evidence obtained usually won’t be able to be used in court. Whenever a person thinks that they have been a victim of an illegal search, they should visit website or another lawyer’s website to arrange a consultation to see what action can be taken. Some people feel pressure from law enforcement and consent to searches that they really shouldn’t allow. People have to know their rights, and lawyers can help individuals find out what they rights are.
There are some other interesting things to know about the law. Some crimes carry mandatory-minimum sentences. When convicted of a crime with such a sentence requirement, there is a certain amount of prison time that a person must serve. Some of the sentences can be rather harsh, so it’s best to have a lawyer when facing such a case. Some judges aren’t happy when they have to hand out mandatory-minimum sentences, but they have to follow the law. Some rights advocates are trying to do away with such sentencing guidelines so that judges can have more discretion in criminal cases.
Juvenile defendants shouldn’t always assume they will avoid adult courtrooms. There are times when juveniles can be charged and convicted as adults. Defense lawyers can make arguments to have cases remain in the juvenile court system. Adult sentences can be much harsher than juvenile sentences.