When you’re going to court after having been charged with a crime, it is very rare that your fate is set in stone. From helping you get plea deals to reduce your sentences as much as possible, a qualified defense lawyer is somebody who will be at your side throughout the duration of your hearing.
If you’ve been convicted of a crime and need defense, contact the office of John Kirby Law. John D. Kirby is an experienced defense attorney specializing in areas ranging from drug crimes to white collar crime. Here are ways in which he can minimize your sentencing when you’ve been convicted of a crime.
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Mitigating Factors
In legal terms, a mitigating factor is a factor or evidence that supports an argument for a lessened sentence. A good defense lawyer will do everything they can to find as many mitigating factors as possible in order to reduce your sentence. Types of mitigating factors include evidence regarding the defendant’s age, family life, and socioeconomic status, his or her remorse for committing the crime, the lack of prior criminal conduct, and having taken steps to improve his or her life.
In drug cases, if the defendant has taken steps to reduce their dependence on drugs, such as enroll in an addiction program, that can also be a mitigating factor.
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Plea Bargains
A plea bargain can help reduce your potential sentence or eliminate some of the charges that have been brought against you. While it is possible to represent yourself, prosecutors are often unwilling to negotiate with defendants who represent themselves, but they are willing to negotiate with a defense attorney.
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Alternatives to Prison
In case you are found guilty in the court proceedings, a defense attorney can advocate for you in regards to prison alternatives. If prison time is an inevitability, the attorney will present the mitigating factors to reduce the time as much as possible, but sometimes there are alternatives to prison. For instance, instead of going to prison for three years on a drug possession, a criminal defense lawyer can propose one year of prison and two years in a drug treatment facility to help treat your addiction.
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Evidence Gathering and Witness Statements
A defense lawyer with a team of employees can find witnesses and convince them to give statements during the court proceedings. Many witnesses refuse to give statements to people who are allegedly involved in a crime, due to fear for their own safety, but these witnesses are often more willing to talk to an attorney. Additionally, investigators can help find evidence that can help to reduce your sentence or show your innocence.
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A Trusted San Diego Defense Attorney
With over 40 years of combined experience, the attorneys at John Kirby Law believe in the importance of working directly with their attorney. If you’re facing serious criminal charges, our team will work together with you to discover mitigating factors, gather witnesses, and negotiate with the prosecution to get you the lowest sentence possible.
To learn more about our team, contact us at (619) 349-1728.
