Why You Need a Good Criminal Defense Attorney
Many people assume that if they are arrested and charged with a crime, a conviction is simply inevitable, so what is the point of even calling a lawyer for help with your defense? In reality, law enforcement officers and prosecutors regularly make many mistakes that lead to wrongful arrests, improper charges, or other mishaps that can be identified by a skilled Florida criminal defense lawyer. Even if you know you committed a crime, errors by law enforcement that violated your rights can lead to getting your case dropped. Always let our criminal defense team review your case.
Examples of Law Enforcement Errors
Earlier this year, the case of missing 22-year-old Gabby Petito captured the nation, and the focus turned to Petito’s fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Laundrie had returned to his parents’ home in Florida, while Petito’s location in the Western United States was unknown. Her remains were found in Grand Teton National Park shortly after her parents reported her missing.
Law enforcement officers were supposedly surveilling the Laundrie household and claimed they knew exactly where Laundrie was. However, they made a huge mistake in following Laundrie’s mother (who was wearing a similar baseball cap), allowing Laundrie to slip away and into a Florida nature reserve. Laundrie’s remains were later found in the nature reserve.
Had law enforcement kept tabs on Laundrie as they were supposed to, Petito’s family might have had closure, and Laundrie’s family might have many more years with their son alive. Instead, due to the errors of the authorities, little will likely be known about how Petito died, and there were two losses of young people instead of one.
This is only one example of how law enforcement agencies can botch investigations, make wrongful arrests, or otherwise violate the rights of citizens. Other common errors include:
- Traffic stops without proper reasonable suspicion
- Searches without warrants or legal justification
- Failing to Mirandize people in custody
- Using excessive force or police brutality
- Racial profiling
- Concealing evidence
These are all errors that can lead to wrongful arrests, charges, and convictions, as well as overly harsh penalties. Not to mention, many police errors violate your constitutional rights.
Even if you aren’t sure that the police made any errors in your case, there still might be important defenses that apply to fight your charges. You want a criminal defense attorney to review your circumstances and start building your defense as soon as possible. Never plead guilty to any charges or even speak with police officers or prosecutors without the right legal defense.
Speak with a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
The criminal justice process is stressful and intimidating, and you want to ensure that law enforcement officers are not making costly errors in your case. Reach out to the law firm of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos right away following an arrest. Call us at (727) 441-9030 or reach out online so we can begin reviewing the details of your case and possible defense strategies.