Criminal Attorney in Ingham County Guide to Intent to Murder Charges
Facing criminal charges, especially when it is assault with intent to murder, is nerve-wracking and extremely traumatizing. This charge is among the most serious crimes and can have a permanent impact on your life if they are not handled professionally. It is essential to seek competent legal assistance. Here are a few things to anticipate if you’re facing similar charges, along with legal counsel from a criminal attorney in Ingham County.
Helpful Advice from Criminal Attorney in Ingham County
1. Understand the Charges
There are some of the most terrible punishments for assault with intent to murder, as it is categorized as a class A felony. It is not a kind that demands verbal statements for convictions. The prosecution needs to prove that the victim was attacked with the intention of murder and not for self-defense or wasn’t an accident. This means that if convicted, you could face:
- Prison Time: A conviction can lead to a sentence of 20 years or more.
- Criminal Record: A felony conviction will remain on your record. This can impact future job opportunities and housing.
- Financial Penalties: You may have to pay hefty fines.
2. Immediate Detention and Arrest
If you are accused of an assault with intent to murder, immediate detention and arrest should come as no surprise to you. It is possible that you might not be granted bail, or they can demand a heft amount for your bail. It entirely depends on the seriousness of the charge. Shortly after you are arrested, a bail hearing will take place.
Advice
Until your lawyer shows up, do not speak with the cops or anybody else at this point. Be careful not to accidentally get yourself in trouble in court. Everything you say might be used against you. Wait to talk until your criminal attorney in Ingham Count arrives.
3. Arraignment and Bail Hearing
Arraignment is the process or the official hearing of your accusations that takes place soon after your arrest. You can now easily enter a plea, no plea, or guilty. They are further followed by the discussion of bail, whether it should be granted or not, which entirely depends on the type of accusation and your criminal history.
Advice
Depending on your background and connections to the community, a strong criminal attorney in Ingham County may be able to secure a reduced bond or perhaps your release on your own recognizance.
4. Discovery Process
Defense and prosecution are both asked to gather and present evidence during the discovery process. These include police reports, forensic evidence, surveillance tape, and witness accounts. Your criminal attorney in Ingham County understands how crucial this process is to build the defense in order to find loopholes in the prosecution’s case.
Advice
Your lawyer will closely examine all the evidence to see if there’s anything that can prove you’re innocent or if any of your constitutional rights were violated. They might also ask to dismiss any evidence that was gathered in a way that breaks the law.
5. Building Your Defense
You will need to construct a strong defense for your case. A professional criminal attorney advises building an effective defense that clearly demonstrates there was no intention to kill or cause serious harm to the victim. Your defense can also argue that any harm caused to the victim was in response to a threat, meaning you were defending yourself.
Another important aspect of your defense is mistaken identity. You should challenge and question the accuracy of eyewitness accounts or evidence that links you to the crime.
6. Negotiating Plea Deals
Plea agreements are not always the preferred option, but at times, they may be the only option available. Engaging in a plea negotiation can help you avoid harsher sentences or the need to go to trial. If the prosecution has a strong case to prove your guilt, your potential attorney would advise you to enter a guilty plea to charges that are less serious than those for a serious assault, such as an attack with intent to murder.
Advice
Plea negotiations must be thoroughly thought out and never hurried into. Seek legal advice from your criminal attorney in Ingham County to determine if it is better to fight the allegations in court or to accept a deal.
7. Post-Conviction
A criminal attorney puts great emphasis on understanding the scenario if you are being convicted of this crime. It can make finding a job very hard because most places check your past, and they might not want to hire someone who has been in serious trouble. Also, getting a place to live can be tough since landlords often look at your criminal record before they let you rent.
Wrap Up
You can greatly increase the probability of a successful conclusion by being aware of the legal system and hiring a knowledgeable criminal attorney in Ingham County. Every step, from the first arrest to the trial or plea discussions, must be handled with care.
Fight your case and protect your rights with Kareem Johnson. Connect with us and discuss your case today.