Our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers Offer This Advice for Your Supporting Your Case
If you're facing criminal charges, it’s critical to remember that you still have rights and options, even if you think you’re guilty. At The Wilson Law Firm, our experienced criminal defense lawyers know that developing a strong defense can significantly affect the outcome of your case and may lead to the charges being dropped or reduced to a less serious offense. We're committed to raising all your defenses, telling your side of the story, and protecting your rights.
How Can You Have Strong Defenses, Even if You’re Guilty?
You could have strong defenses in your criminal case—even if you’re 100 percent certain of your guilt—that could help you beat the charges. For example:
- The police may have made mistakes during their investigation or while collecting evidence they’re using against you.
- There may also be proof of violations of your constitutional rights. For example, if law enforcement conducted an illegal search or seizure when they stopped you, any evidence they obtained or incriminating statements you made during that time may not be admissible in court.
- You may have defenses based on the specific charges you face.
- Our criminal defense attorneys may also be able to argue that the prosecutor cannot prove all the elements of the crime.
Partnering with skilled legal counsel helps to identify and utilize these and other strategies to your advantage.
7 Steps We Take to Build a Strong Defense in Your Virginia Criminal Case
If you’re charged with a crime, your first step should be to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer at The Wilson Law Firm. When you retain us, we'll work as a team to help you obtain the best outcome in your case. Here’s what we do to create an effective defense for you.
1. Exercise Your Rights
One important way you can strengthen your defense is to understand and exercise your legal rights. For example, two constitutional rights you always have are the right to remain silent and your right to have an attorney defend you. Avoid saying anything to the police other than providing basic information, such as your name and address, so incriminating statements can’t be used against you.
You should also tell them immediately that you want an attorney. No matter what’s shown on TV, police officers shouldn’t question you without your lawyer being present once you exercise this right.
2. Understand the Charges
It’s important to know what you’re facing and why. Our lawyers explain the crimes you’re accused of committing, the possible sentences, and your options so you can make informed decisions in your criminal case.
3. Gather Evidence
Our criminal legal team understands how critical collecting evidence is to building a solid defense for you. We obtain and analyze the evidence the prosecution is using to try to convict you.
We also gather evidence that supports your defenses and pokes holes in the prosecution's case. This process includes collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining documents, photos, and video footage, hiring expert witnesses, and more.
4. Understand the Law
Our criminal defense lawyers know the nuances in certain statutes and cases that would apply to your case. This knowledge helps us identify possible defenses and argue that the prosecution cannot prove all elements of the crime they claim you committed.
5. Create a Narrative
Presenting a compelling narrative to the court can significantly affect what happens in your criminal case. Using your defenses and the evidence we collect, our attorneys create a narrative that tells your side of the story and explains why you shouldn't be found guilty. We also highlight any mitigating factors, such as your clean criminal record and strong ties to your family and the community, so you’re presented in the possible light in court.
Crafting a persuasive narrative can help you even before your trial. It gives us leverage with the prosecutor and helps convince them to offer you a favorable plea agreement if this is in your best interests.
6. File Appropriate Motions
Another powerful defense strategy is to identify and file the appropriate motions to strengthen your defense. Possible ones we may use include a motion to compel discovery, a motion to dismiss the case against you, or a motion to suppress evidence being used to convict you.
7. Utilize Experts
Another resource we may use is to hire expert witnesses to provide critical testimony that supports your defenses and challenges the prosecution's evidence. Forensic experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists are a few of the expert witnesses who may be able to help you. We have a vast network of individuals who qualify as expert witnesses under VA. R. Sup. Ct. 2:702 and who can bolster your case with their specialized knowledge.
For more than 20 years T. Kevin Wilson, Esq. and his team have helped good people just like you all across Virginia who find themselves in trouble with the law to one degree or another. Everyone has a right to a solid defense—we can help you, too.