Criminal Defense FAQs
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The most crucial step is to assert your right to remain silent and immediately ask to speak with an attorney. Do not provide any statements, explanations, or excuses without legal counsel present, as anything you say can be used against you.
You have the right to know why you are being arrested. Early intervention by an attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case, allowing for immediate protection of your constitutional rights and strategic guidance during questioning. -
While we are fully prepared to aggressively defend you in jury or bench trials, not every criminal case goes to trial. At Lowe Dreesen Miller, we understand that an efficient resolution is often in our clients' best interest. We diligently explore all avenues, including:
- Plea bargains - Negotiating with the prosecution for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Case dismissals - Challenging evidence, procedures, or constitutional violations to seek a full dismissal of charges.
- Diversion programs - Guiding eligible clients toward alternative programs like Missouri's Veterans Court or Drug Court, which focus on rehabilitation rather than traditional punishment.
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It begins with an arrest and booking, followed by an initial appearance before a judge, during which you are informed of charges and bail may be set. For felonies, a preliminary hearing may occur to determine if enough evidence exists to proceed.
Then comes arraignment, where you formally enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). The pretrial phase involves exchanging evidence (discovery) and filing motions (such as to suppress evidence).
If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where evidence is presented and a verdict is reached. If convicted, the final stage is sentencing, with the possibility of an appeal. Our experienced team will guide you through each step, explaining what to expect and vigorously protecting your rights.