What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
A criminal defense lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in defending individuals or organizations charged with criminal offenses. Their primary role is to advocate for their clients and ensure their rights are protected throughout the legal process. Here are some of the key responsibilities and tasks performed by criminal defense lawyers:
- Legal Representation: Defense attorneys provide legal representation to their clients at various stages of the criminal justice system, including pre-trial, trial, and post-trial proceedings.
- Case Assessment: They review the details of the case, including evidence, witness statements, and applicable laws, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case against their client. This helps them develop a strategic defense approach.
- Legal Advice: Defense lawyers advise their clients about their legal rights, potential consequences, and available options. They help clients understand the implications of plea bargains and guide them in making informed decisions.
- Investigation: They conduct independent investigations to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and uncover information supporting their client's defense. This can involve hiring investigators, examining police reports, and consulting experts if necessary.
- Legal Strategy: Based on their case assessment, defense attorneys develop a defense strategy tailored to their client's specific circumstances. They may challenge the legality of evidence, question the credibility of witnesses, or present alternative theories of the crime.
- Negotiations: Defense lawyers negotiate with prosecutors to seek favorable client outcomes. This may involve plea bargaining to reduce charges or negotiate sentencing terms.
- Trial Representation: If the case goes to trial, defense lawyers represent their clients in court. They present evidence, cross-examine prosecution witnesses, and make persuasive arguments to defend their client's innocence or mitigate their culpability.
- Legal Documentation: Criminal defense attorneys prepare and file legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and appeals, on behalf of their clients. They ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and within specified deadlines.
- Client Support: Defense attorneys provide emotional support to their clients during the stressful and uncertain times of criminal proceedings. They maintain client confidentiality and advocate for their client's best interests.
It's important to note that a criminal defense lawyer's specific tasks and responsibilities can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. The ultimate goal is to protect the rights of the accused and secure the best possible outcome for their clients within the bounds of the law.
Our Practice Areas
The Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, handles all criminal charges with a special emphasis on:
- First-degree murder
- Weapons offenses, such as unlicensed possession of a firearm or ammunition, possession of a loaded firearm, a felon in possession of a firearm, obliterated serial number on a firearm, unlawful distribution of trafficking of firearms, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of an unlawful weapon, explosive device offenses
- Drug or narcotics offenses, such as misdemeanor or felony possession of drugs, possession with intent to distribute drugs, distribution of drugs, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, unlawful cultivation of marijuana, marijuana offenses including medical marijuana violations, and illegal search and seizure
We also defend the following criminal charges:
- Homicide offenses, such as second-degree murder, felony murder, negligent homicide, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular homicide
- Domestic violence offenses, such as domestic simple assault, domestic vandalism, domestic trespass, domestic stalking, domestic breaking and entering, domestic burglary, and no contact order violations
- Sex offenses, such as indecent exposures, lewdness, sexual assault, child sexual assault, indecent assault and battery, child molestation, statutory rape, rape by force, indecent solicitation, enticing a child, solicitation of a minor, child pornography possession, manufacturing, and distribution
- Assault offenses, such as simple assault, domestic assault, aggravated assault, assault and battery, assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon, maiming, assault with intent to murder
- Kidnapping and related offenses, such as false imprisonment and human trafficking
- Arson offenses
- White collar offenses, such as credit card fraud, bank fraud, computer/internet fraud, tax fraud, identity theft, forgery, false official statements, and more
- Theft crimes, such as shoplifting, petty larceny, grand larceny, embezzlement, receiving/possession of stolen goods, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, robbery
- Property crimes, such as burglary, breaking and entering, malicious destruction of property, trespassing, vandalism, and more
- Conspiracy
- Miscellaneous crimes, such as disorderly conduct, criminal harassment, perjury, obstruction of justice, prostitution, solicitation, public indecency, and loitering
We handle such criminal matters as warrants, bail hearings, violation of bail, probation, or parole hearings, provide grand jury representation, and can represent your case from investigation through appeal, such as direct appeal, state or federal court appeal, or military court appeal.
Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
When facing criminal charges, it is crucial to have a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer by your side. At the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates PC, we understand the complexities of the legal system and are dedicated to providing aggressive and effective representation for our clients.
Our team of experienced attorneys has a proven track record of successfully defending clients in a wide range of criminal cases throughout Massachusetts. Whether you are facing charges for drug offenses, assault, theft, or any other criminal offense, we have the expertise and resources to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Benefits of hiring our criminal defense lawyers include:
- Extensive courtroom experience
- Thorough understanding of criminal laws
- Personalized attention and guidance
- Strong negotiation skills
- Aggressive representation in court
Don't leave your future to chance. Contact the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates PC today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
What Does a Prosecutor Do?
A prosecutor plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Their primary responsibility is to represent the government in criminal cases, working to prove that the defendant has committed the crime they are charged with. Prosecutors handle everything from minor infractions to serious felonies, and they have significant authority in determining how a case proceeds.
The prosecutor’s duties start with reviewing evidence provided by law enforcement. Based on this evidence, the prosecutor decides whether to file formal charges against an individual. If charges are pursued, the prosecutor presents the case in court, introducing evidence and calling witnesses to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors also have discretion when it comes to plea bargaining. They may offer the defendant the opportunity to plead guilty to lesser charges or reduced penalties in exchange for avoiding a trial. While plea deals can expedite cases and reduce court congestion, they must still align with the interests of justice.
In court, the prosecutor’s job is to try and secure convictions but also to ensure fairness in the judicial process. This means they must disclose any evidence that could prove the defendant’s innocence, even if it weakens their case. Despite their focus on prosecuting crime, they have a duty to uphold the law and pursue a just outcome.
