Saint Martin Criminal Defense Lawyer

Saint Martin Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges is a life-changing experience for many. You are likely to have many questions about what penalties you could face if convicted, how to prove your innocence if you’ve been wrongfully accused, and what to do first after an arrest. An experienced Saint Martin criminal defense lawyer is the ideal asset to have on your side in this situation.

The Taylor & Cox Law Firm has spent the last three decades fighting criminal charges on behalf of Mississippi residents. The firm was built on a strong reputation of excellence and results. When you partner with us, you get the benefits of a larger firm but with more personal attention to your case. We fight for your rights throughout all stages of your criminal case proceedings.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers defend people if they have been criminally charged. They can provide advice and legal counsel throughout the court trial and build a defense strategy based on case evidence and the applicable statutes. Common felony charges we represent in Saint Martin include:

• Drug crimes
• Violent crimes
• Property crimes
• DUI crimes
• Sex crimes
• White collar crimes

Our dedicated legal team can investigate your arrest to identify any possible errors the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office made or if there were any violations of your rights.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety reported that between 2023 and 2024, violent crime in Jackson County decreased by nearly 3% while property crime increased by almost 36%. When you are arrested for any criminal offense in Saint Martin, you must exercise your right to remain silent while complying with instructions from arresting officers. As soon as you are allowed to make your phone calls, reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

What Can I Expect During My Criminal Defense Case?

All criminal defense cases are unique, but most follow a similar timeline. Your criminal defense attorney is involved in every phase of your proceedings:

• Charges are filed. After charges are formally filed against the defendant, there will be an initial hearing and reading of the charges, called an arraignment. At this point, the defendant can plead guilty, and the case will proceed to sentencing, or they can plead not guilty, and a trial will be scheduled. Both the prosecution and defense must exchange all relevant evidence through the discovery process before trial.
• Trial proceeds. The criminal trial begins with opening statements from the prosecution and defense. During most of the trial, both sides present evidence and call witnesses. They may hire expert witnesses, who will also be called to testify and provide specific professional insights into the most complex details of the case. Both sides can cross-examine witnesses.
• Closing remarks. At this point, both sides will summarize and review their cases again. In a criminal case, the jury must agree unanimously that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.

Your Saint Martin criminal defense lawyer may be able to identify procedural missteps, violations of your rights, or mistakes of law to help you avoid conviction. In the event you have provably broken the law and conviction is all but certain, your defense attorney may still be able to help you secure a plea deal, mitigating your penalties.

Common Types of Defense to a Criminal Charge in Saint Martin

The strongest type of defense to a criminal charge depends on the type of offense and the specifics of the case. There are a few defenses that are often used, however:

• Mistaken identity. This states that someone else committed the crime, and you are being wrongfully accused and tried.
• Good faith defense. This asserts that you had good intentions at the time of the crime and believed you were doing the right thing.
• Lack of intent. If there isn’t evidence that you intended to commit a crime, your attorney may state that you never meant to commit a crime and may not have known you were doing so.
• Strong alibi. Having an alibi isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be acquitted, but a strong alibi with evidence from non-biased sources can be very persuasive to a jury. This would include things like CCTV footage or proof that you were at work.

Ultimately, it is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel for your criminal defense case in Saint Martin, and the team at Taylor & Cox Law Firm is confident we can provide unmatched representation. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so they can start working on your case. Reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn how we can help.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Defense Lawyer?

The main difference between a criminal lawyer and a defense lawyer is their involvement in your case. A defense lawyer defends those charged with criminal activity and ensures they have adequate representation in court to meet their right to counsel. They may also be able to negotiate a plea deal. A criminal lawyer could be either the prosecuting attorney or the defense attorney in a criminal case.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Saint Martin?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Saint Martin varies. Most criminal defense attorneys are paid by retainer or by the hour. These rates depend on your lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case, among other things. If you need additional services, you may be billed at an hourly rate or in addition to your retainer. For a more accurate estimate of the cost, schedule a consultation.

What Are My Rights After an Arrest?

Your two most important rights after an arrest are your right to remain silent, protected by the Fifth Amendment, and your right to legal counsel, protected by the Sixth Amendment. Comply with arresting officers’ instructions, but do not say anything until you can speak with a Saint Martin criminal defense lawyer.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust

Don’t wait to hire your Saint Martin criminal defense attorney. Taylor & Cox Law Firm is ready to get to work, prepare a comprehensive defense strategy, and support you every step of the way. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.