Albany, ny criminal defense

Criminal Defense

EXCEPTIONAL TRIAL RECORD MAKING SURE YOUR RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED & REPRESENTED

ALBANY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Understanding Criminal Law in New York

If you are facing criminal charges, it is critical that you get legal representation as soon as possible. The justice system is designed to appear as though the prosecution and the defense are on a level playing field—this is not often the case. People are often forced to rely on public defenders who do not have the time or resources to get the best possible result. Our firm should know—Attorney Eric Schillinger started his career as a public defender.

Time and time again, individuals are not being represented by attorneys who can give their case the full attention that is required to have a successful outcome. The primary focus of Schillinger & Associates, PLLC. is criminal defense. Our Albany criminal defense attorney has handled hundreds of criminal cases including felonies, misdemeanors, and non-criminal violations.

At Schillinger & Associates, PLLC., clients get their attorney’s undivided attention. While many firms push cases through the desks of multiple lawyers, Mr. Schillinger personally handles every case from beginning to end, using his experience to fight for the best results possible.


Are you facing criminal charges in New York? Call Schillinger and Associates, PLLC. today at (518) 413-0889 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our criminal lawyer in Albany! 


Why Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you are facing criminal charges, hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your rights and defend you in court. Here are some key reasons why you should hire a criminal defense attorney:

  • Knowledge of the law: A criminal defense attorney has the knowledge and experience to navigate the criminal justice system and understand the specific laws and regulations that apply to your case.
  • Protecting your rights: A criminal defense attorney will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you are not taken advantage of by the prosecution.
  • Building a defense: A criminal defense attorney can investigate your case and build a strong defense on your behalf. They can also negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges against you reduced or dropped.
  • Understanding the consequences: A criminal defense attorney can advise you on the potential consequences of a conviction and help you understand the possible outcomes of your case.
  • Representation in court: A criminal defense attorney will represent you in court, ensuring that your side of the story is heard and that you receive a fair trial.
  • Sentencing: If convicted, a criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a more favorable sentence on your behalf.
  • Appeal: In case of conviction, a criminal defense attorney can help you appeal the decision.
  • Reducing the stress: Hiring a criminal defense attorney can help alleviate the stress and uncertainty of dealing with criminal charges on your own.
  • An attorney can help you to understand the legal procedures and the court's rules.
  • It can be challenging to represent yourself in court, and it is always best to have a professional who is experienced in criminal law to advocate for you.

Being Mirandized & Your Miranda Rights in NY

You have a right to remain silent. If you give up this right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You also have a right to consult with an attorney and have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney the court can appoint one.

– Arizona v. Miranda (1966)

All to frequently, individuals accused of a crime make the decision to waive their Miranda rights and make a statement during police interrogation that can later hurt them as they are prosecuted. While people hear about being “Mirandized” few actually take the time to think about what it means and how it affects their rights.

Being Mirandized is a constitutional rule of procedure, not a right in and of itself. That means you have various constitutional rights (the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney), but Miranda Rights in itself isn’t one of those. Instead, its a rule the US Supreme Court has created, instructing the police to inform you of your constitutional rights before they question you.

But, it's not exactly that simple. Miranda only covers “custodial interrogation,” meaning that the police must actually have you in a position where you’re not free to leave. This isn’t necessarily a jail cell, but if you’re just walking down the street and announce a confession within earshot of a cop, Miranda is irrelevant. Similarly, if the cop is asking you questions, but you are free to leave and you understand that among your options is to not answer the cop’s questions and leave at any time, again, Miranda is irrelevant.

If you’re in custody, a cop has to read you your rights before he can ask you questions. If he doesn’t do this, anything thing you say in response to these questions can be suppressed in court. In other words, if they don’t tell you that “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,” they can’t later go and use what you said against you.

We Can Help Defend You in Criminal Court

Regardless, of your situation when facing a criminal charge is serious and you should not be saying anything to law enforcement without legal counsel present. If convicted, you face time in prison, fines, and a damaged reputation in your community. Contacting our firm as soon as possible helps begin building a strong defense for your case.


Call the Albany defense lawyer at Schillinger & Associates, PLLC. today at (518) 413-0889 to find out how our firm will help you during this difficult and frightening time.


GET THE HELP YOU NEED CONTACT US

Call 518-413-0889 today or fill out the form below. Our team is available for appointments after hours and on the weekends.

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