Every American citizen has two critical rights that come into play the moment they are placed under arrest. First is the right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment ensures that no American is compelled to act as a witness against themselves. Once the police inform you that you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent. While you should comply with directions to avoid an additional charge of resisting arrest, you are under no obligation to answer any questions or provide written or oral statements to the police.
The second important right is the right to defense counsel, which is preserved under the Sixth Amendment. If you can’t afford an attorney or don’t want to pay for one, the court can appoint a public defender to your case at no charge.
Criminal Defense Attorney Billing in New York City
Criminal defense attorneys typically provide their clients with more favorable results as opposed to self-representation. Most criminal defense attorneys bill their services by the hour. They often track time spent working on a client’s case in ten or fifteen-minute increments. These time increments can wind up being costly for the client. But if you have the means to do so, hiring a private criminal defense attorney can lead to a much better outcome for your case.
What to Expect from a New York City Criminal Defense Attorney
When you have the right private defense attorney handling your case, you can approach a challenging situation with ease. Your attorney can help you navigate bail-related issues, so you do not need to spend any more time in custody than is necessary. If bail is not available to the defendant, a good attorney can still provide responsive counsel to their client in custody.
The criminal court system requires the prosecution to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. The right attorney can prevent this from happening in various ways. They might question the validity or admissibility of evidence, question witness testimony credibility, and various other methods depending on the unique details of the case. When a defendant has broken the law and the prosecution has what they need to achieve a conviction, a plea agreement could be the best alternative for the defendant. When you choose the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC to represent your defense in New York, you can expect personalized defense counsel through all the stages of your case.
New York City Criminal Defense FAQs
Q: What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
A: You can rely on an experienced New York criminal defense attorney to provide a wide range of professional legal services depending on what your case entails. The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and your defense attorney can prevent this from happening in various ways.
Q: What Is the Average Cost of a New York City Criminal Defense Attorney?
A: It’s common for private criminal defense attorneys to charge several hundred dollars per hour for their representation. The more time the attorney spends working on a client’s case, the more it will cost the client. Many attorneys are willing to work with clients and adjust rates on a case-by-case basis, but this is never a guarantee. Always verify the details of a potential attorney’s billing policy before you agree to their representation.
Q: Do I Need to Hire a Private Defense Attorney?
A: The Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution ensures your right to legal counsel if you are accused of a crime. This happens regardless of whether you are able or willing to pay for a private defense attorney. A public defender can be appointed to your case by the court at no charge.
Q: How Much Is My Case Going to Cost?
A: It is important to secure legal counsel as soon as possible after an arrest in New York. However, it is understandable to be concerned about the potential cost of your legal fees. Make sure you fully understand a potential attorney’s billing agreement and ask for a reasonable estimate of how long your case will take to resolve. Criminal cases can take weeks or months of protracted proceedings depending on the unique details of a case.
Q: How Soon Should I Hire Legal Representation?
A: The Fifth Amendment ensures you have the right to remain silent during an arrest and booking for any criminal offense. Maintain this right as you comply with arresting officers’ directions. You will be allowed to make phone calls, and one of them should be to a trusted attorney that can meet with you as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC have years of experience in private criminal defense for their New York City clients. We know it can feel like the entire legal system is pitted against you. Our team can provide the reassurance and guidance you need to navigate this difficult situation. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with a New York criminal defense attorney you can trust.
