Criminal Defense FAQs

FAQS

Criminal

Should I speak with law enforcement about an accusation that has been made against me?
No. In the vast majority of cases, you should remain silent and not cooperate with requests for an interview. Your silence/refusal to make a statement cannot be held against you in a court of law. You should contact an attorney immediately for more detailed instructions/information. If you are arrested, continue to remain silent and ask for an attorney if interviewed. This will have the effect of requiring the interview be terminated.
What is the likelihood I am going to jail/prison?
There is no It depends. The unique facts of your case, specific charges brought, and your own criminal history (whether you’ve ever been charged with a crime before, and if so, how many and when) will enable your attorney to give you a more clear picture of the likely outcomes in your case. or commitment required for an initial consultation on personal injury or criminal defense cases.
How long will my criminal charges stay on my record?
If you are granted expunction eligibility at sentencing, you can request expunction at the conclusion of your sentence. Expunction is not the equivalent of a dismissal or pardon. An expunged offense is still a conviction, it’s just a conviction that is no longer available on public record. If you are not granted expunction eligibility and you are convicted of a crime, your offense will be on your record forever. The only way to remove it in most cases is to seek a pardon from the Governor. Pardons are rarely granted. Juvenile offenses and convictions are sealed from public view, and not part of your adult criminal record.
Do I have to go to trial?
No. It is your choice to go to trial or accept a plea offer. You cannot be compelled to go to trial if you do not want to, nor can you be compelled to plead guilty if you do not want to. Our experienced attorneys can help you analyze the benefits and risks of each option, and advise you in a way that helps you make that decision in your case.
FAQS

Sensitive Crimes

What are sensitive crimes?

Sensitives crimes can include many things. At Doar Drill and Skow, our criminal defense team focuses their sensitive crimes defense work on sexual assault, illegal pornography possession, human trafficking, and any crime with a sexual gratification or sexual motivation component.

Should I speak with law enforcement about an accusation that has been made against me?

No. In the vast majority of cases, you should remain silent and not cooperate with requests for an interview. Your silence/refusal to make a statement cannot be held against you in a court of law. You should contact an attorney immediately for more detailed instructions/information. If you are arrested, continue to remain silent and ask for an attorney if interviewed. This will have the effect of requiring the interview be terminated.

It is particularly important in sensitive crimes cases to remain silent. Often the only evidence against the accused is the complainant’s story. If you make a statement, even if you deny the allegations, most of the time you are providing information that can be used to corroborate and strengthen the complainant’s story somehow. It is therefore extremely important in these cases that you remain silent, not submit to a police interview, and talk to an attorney right away.

What is the likelihood I am going to jail/prison?

It depends. Many sensitive crimes have mandatory minimums. The unique facts of your case, specific charges brought, and your own criminal history (whether you’ve ever been charged with a crime before, and if so, how many and when) will enable your attorney to give you a more clear picture of the likely outcomes in your case.

Am I going to have to register on the sex offender registry?

Again, that depends. If you are charged with and convicted of a crime that requires the registry, you will be required to register. Some crimes require registering, some make it discretionary. Some crimes require registry for 15 years, some for lifetime. Attorney Kate Bosworth has focused her criminal defense work on sensitive crimes. She will be able to tell you what the potential penalties are in your specific case.

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