St Mary’s, GA, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested for any criminal offense can be a life-changing experience. Whether you have been arrested before or this is your first time being accused of a crime, it is crucial that you know and take full advantage of your right to legal representation. A St. Mary’s, GA, criminal defense lawyer is the ideal asset to have on your side, and the sooner you connect with your attorney, the more time they will have to build an effective defense for you.

Criminal Defense Counsel in St. Mary’s, GA

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., offers aggressive and detail-oriented defense representation for a wide range of criminal offenses in St. Mary’s and surrounding communities. Our firm takes time to develop individualized defense strategies for each client. You can expect us to get to know you and your situation so we can provide the highest level of defense representation possible.

When you secure our firm’s representation, you can expect a careful review of the details of your arrest and booking, verifying that your rights were observed and that due process was followed at every stage. In every criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense attorney attempts to prevent them from accomplishing this. Your defense may require various forms of evidence and testimony to counter the prosecution.

Know Your Rights After Arrest

Every American citizen has constitutional rights that come into effect upon arrest for any criminal offense. First is the Fifth Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination. You are not required to act as a witness against yourself in any criminal investigation, nor are you required to answer any questions from the police. Remain silent until you can speak with a defense attorney.

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal representation. Your defense attorney can review the details of your situation and help determine the most viable defenses available to you. Do not assume that you can represent yourself successfully, even if you believe you have been wrongfully accused. You could encounter legal obstacles that you will not know how to overcome on your own.

Types of Criminal Cases We Represent

When you are searching for the right criminal defense attorney to represent you, it is vital to choose one who not only has proven experience in criminal defense law but also has a solid record of successful cases similar to yours. Your chosen St. Mary’s criminal defense lawyer should be able to demonstrate a keen understanding of the types of criminal charges you currently face.

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., has years of experience handling a wide range of criminal cases, including:

• Drug crimes. Simple possession, possession with intent to sell, and drug trafficking are just a few types of drug charges one could face. The penalties for conviction usually depend on the type and quantity of the drug. If a defendant struggles with an addiction, it could form the basis for an argument for alternative sentencing that focuses on treatment rather than punishment, but this is never guaranteed.
• Sex crimes. Any type of sexual assault, prostitution, child molestation, indecent exposure, or other sex-related criminal offense can carry severe penalties, including long-term or permanent sex offender status. The severity of the charge generally depends on the age of the alleged victim and whether the defendant inflicted great bodily harm of any kind.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). Anyone who operates a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol risks DUI charges. Penalties for conviction can include fines, driver’s license suspension, and incarceration. DUI penalties increase for underage drivers, for drivers with records of multiple DUI convictions, and for defendants who cause injury or death through DUI.
• Theft crimes. The unlawful taking of property can amount to a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property taken. Theft can be escalated to robbery if property was physically stolen from another person, and penalties can escalate if a weapon was used in the crime.
• Domestic violence. Any type of violence or abuse within a family or household can lead to domestic violence charges. Penalties for these offenses can not only include jail time, heavy fines, and other penalties assigned at the discretion of the court but also penalties in the family court system, like loss of custody rights.

These are a few examples of the types of cases our firm regularly handles in the St. Mary’s area. Some cases involve multiple charges, and it is also possible for a defendant to face civil liability for damages inflicted on another party. Ultimately, any criminal case has the potential to cause a host of problems for the defendant, and it is vital for them to have defense representation they can trust.

How Your St. Mary’s Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

In every criminal case, a defense attorney attempts to prevent a prosecutor from meeting their burden of proof to secure a conviction. The criminal justice system of the United States functions on the concept of innocent until proven guilty, and a prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It’s possible for a defendant to avoid conviction by establishing an alibi that proves they could not have committed the offense, that they were the victim of mistaken identity, or by proving misconduct on the part of the police or the prosecution. Your St. Mary’s criminal defense lawyer can assist you in determining the optimal ways you can dismantle the prosecution’s case against you.

If you did commit the offense, prosecutors are sometimes willing to extend plea deals to first-time offenders in exchange for swift guilty pleas. If this is an option in your case, your St. Mary’s criminal defense lawyer can advise you as to whether accepting a plea deal would suit your interests.

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., has successfully helped many clients avoid convictions and helped many others reduce their penalties. Whatever your case entails, it is vital that you connect with an experienced defense attorney as quickly as possible after your arrest. Contact us today and schedule your case review with our team to learn more about the legal services we provide and how we can help you approach your case with confidence.