practices
Criminal Defense
Not many things in life could be as stressful as being placed under arrest, or charged with criminal activity. As bad as this process can be at the time, the repercussions of an arrest or charge follow you far into the future. To relieve your anxiety and help put you in the best position for a favorable outcome, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Ella Douglas Law is ready to fight alongside you to help you win a reduction in sentence, dismissal of charges, or even an expungement of your record. We have the experience and talent needed to help you fight felony and misdemeanor charges, and reach a favorable conclusion.
Your Miranda Rights
In spite of what you see on television, not all law enforcement officers routinely read you your miranda rights. Even though they fail to do so, that does not mean you have no rights at all. Even without an attorney by your side, you can legally refuse to answer questions asked by state or federal law enforcement officials, regardless if you are guilty or not. The best course to take in this situation is to state that you are exercising your constitutional right to legal representation. Use the first opportunity you have to contact us immediately.
Ancillary Consequences
If you happen to be found guilty, any punishment decreed by the court is just the beginning. Later in life, the effects of a conviction can be far worse and could damage or end your career. Having a good criminal defense attorney can be your best ally in reaching an outcome that has a diminished, to little effect your future.
Record Sealing & Expungements
When people are convicted of criminal charges, they lose certain benefits and privileges they once had. When a record is successfully sealed or expunged your rights can be reinstated and allow you once again to do things like vote, hold political office, serve on a jury, or deny a criminal record on a job application.
One of the man reasons people seek to get their records sealed or expunged is so that they can have a wider opportunity for employment. When applying for a job, you can honestly answer that you have never been arrested or convicted of a crime because the potential employer cannot access the sealed record, or it simply no longer exists.
The difference between a sealed record and an expunged record is quite simple. A sealed record renders the contents of the record invisible to the majority of public and private agencies. However, it is possible for some government agencies like the FBI or CIA to get access to sealed records. An expungement of a record basically erases the record completely, as if it never happened.
Call Ella Douglas Law today to see how we can help you clear your past criminal record.
