Criminal Defense in Wilmington, DE

What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Wilmington, Delaware attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Wilmington, DE is the most effective way to protect your rights.

Unfortunately, the Delaware criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Wilmington criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Wilmington, Delaware

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Wilmington professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Wilmington, DE who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you are facing criminal charges in Wilmington you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.

Probation

Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.

Because of this, Delaware laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.

When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.

Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.

In Wilmington, Delaware you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history. 

Delaware has very little in terms of statewide maximums for probationary periods. A violent felony can carry a sentence of up to 2 years of probation. However, most felonies and misdemeanors receive a maximum of only 1 year probation.

Probation Revoked

If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.

The Delaware Department of Corrections oversees the rehabilitation of probationers in Wilmington. During this period you’ll be assigned a probation officer and will be required to schedule weekly meetings. It’s imperative that you keep these meetings. You’ll also be required to submit yourself to random drug testing, perform community service, and pay restitution and court fees if necessary. If you fail to meet these requirements you may have to appear before a judge at the U.S. District Court of Delaware. You can have representation at any probationary hearing, and an experienced attorney in Wilmington can help.

Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Wilmington, Delaware criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.

Parole

Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet.  In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.

Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole. 

The Delaware Board of Parole provides a list of rules surrounding the eligibility, hearing process, and revocation. Only individuals who demonstrate good behavior can earn this privilege of parole. Once paroled, you’ll be expected to conduct yourself as a model citizen in the Wilmington community. You’ll be expected to maintain employment, refrain from drug and alcohol use, refrain from any future criminal activity, and to attend counseling if necessary. Violating these responsibilities can result in the revocation of your parole by the Parole Board. You cannot appeal the Parole Board’s decision, but you are entitled to representation during your hearing.

If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Wilmington, DE criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Wilmington, Delaware Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Wilmington criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Wilmington, DE criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Delaware state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!