Criminal Defense

It’s common for adults with a criminal record to consider expunging it, assuming you have a good understanding of what to expect and the help of an experienced Wichita criminal defense attorney. After a conviction, you will be required to endure a waiting period to see if you qualify for an expungement. Once qualified, you can apply with the prosecutor, who will determine if you’re eligible to have your adult criminal record expunged. If the prosecutor is opposed to an expungement being granted, he or she can object to it. If that occurs, the determination of whether to grant or deny the expungement is left to a judge. You should keep in mind that expungement does not mean your record is destroyed but that your conviction will not destroy your life.

While pleading guilty often encourages a judge to impose a lighter sentence or allows a defendant to obtain a conviction on a less serious charge, a no contest or nolo contendere plea has a somewhat similar effect without the admission of guilt. On the surface, it helps the defendant maintain a sense of personal satisfaction knowing they didn’t plead guilty to a crime they didn’t commit just to receive a lesser sentence. This appeal often benefits those seeking to avoid the social and personal repercussions of pleading guilty. It’s also important to note the existence of an “Alford plea,” whereby a defendant in a criminal case does not admit to the alleged act and claims innocence but acknowledges the evidence presented will likely lead to a judge or jury finding the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

While you may be considering representing yourself in court, you may face the further risk of going to jail or paying additional fines without the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not only will a defense attorney be able to answer any questions, present you with a comprehensive list of options, and alert you of important deadlines, but they will also be able to provide you with much-needed support during a trying time in your life. As soon as an accusation has been made against you, it’s important to contact an experienced Wichita criminal defense attorney before proceeding.

It is important to understand that a seemingly friendly conversation with a police officer can quickly turn into an interrogation. Even if their questions sound virtually harmless, you mustn’t say anything self-incriminating, which may mean saying nothing. Prior to being interrogated, the police should read you your Miranda Rights (you will have to be in custody for these to apply), which inform you of your right to remain silent. At any point before or during the interrogation, you may invoke your right to remain silent and request a criminal defense attorney, which is the recommended course of action. An attorney can help you determine when it is best to detail your side of the story and when it is better to remain silent. Overall, remain silent, calm, and as cooperative as possible, but remember to invoke your right to an attorney.

When facing a criminal accusation, the most important thing to remember is to remain silent and not talk about your case unless it is with your trusted criminal defense attorney. Avoid discussing your case’s specific details with friends, on social media platforms, or through texting and phone calls. Anything discussed with friends, family members, colleagues, and others is not necessarily confidential; in the event that they are sworn in to give testimony, these individuals you have discussed your case with will be forced to share any information you may have discussed. Even if the information shared does not display an admittance of guilt, it may be misconstrued and used against you. While every case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting an attorney about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a trusted criminal defense lawyer by your side from the beginning.