Gillette Criminal Lawyers
Understanding Criminal Charges in Gillette, WY
Some of the most common criminal charges in Gillette include:
- DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Can range from misdemeanor to felony level depending on circumstances.
- Drug possession – Possessing illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc. Amount and intent determines charge severity.
- Theft/larceny – Taking property or money illegally, including shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and embezzlement.
- Assault and battery – Threatening or causing intentional injury to another person. Domestic violence falls under this category.
- Sex crimes – Rape, sexual assault, statutory rape, solicitation, and child pornography.
- White collar crimes – Fraud, forgery, identity theft, and computer crimes.
- Traffic violations – Speeding, reckless driving, hit and run, driving without a license.
- Weapons charges – Illegal possession of firearms, concealed carry violations, brandishing.
The specific circumstances surrounding the alleged crime will determine the actual charges brought against you in Gillette. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can analyze the accusations and build a strategic defense to contest them.
Common Defense Strategies in Gillette Criminal Cases
Once you’ve secured legal counsel, your defense lawyer will assess the prosecution’s evidence, analyze possible weaknesses, and identify the best legal strategies to fight the charges. Some of the most common defense tactics they may employ include:
Suppressing Evidence
If police obtained evidence through an illegal search or interrogation, a lawyer can file a motion to suppress that evidence so it cannot be used against you. Suppressed evidence often cripples the prosecution’s case.
Discrediting Witnesses
By investigating prosecution witnesses and exposing bias, inconsistencies, or lies in their statements, lawyers can undermine their credibility. This casts doubt on the prosecution’s version of events.
Citing Improper Procedure
Showing the prosecution did not follow proper protocols during arrests, investigations, or trials can get charges dismissed on procedural grounds before even arguing the merits of the case.
Presenting Alternate Theories
A lawyer may present plausible alternate sequences of events or explanations for the allegations against you. This provides jurors reasonable doubt as to your guilt.
Negotiating Plea Deals
They may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to get charges dropped or reduced through plea bargains. This avoids harsh penalties and a risky trial.
Seeking Diversion Programs
For eligible first-time offenders, they may advocate for pretrial diversion programs or deferred judgments to avoid convictions. These allow charges to eventually be dismissed after completing probation and treatment conditions.
Trial Litigation
If a plea deal cannot be reached, skilled trial litigation in arguing your case before a judge or jury is the last line of defense against conviction and harsh sentencing.
An adept Gillette criminal lawyer will leverage their experience and legal skills to build a multifaceted defense strategy giving you the strongest chance of a favorable outcome.
Common Crimes and Possible Defenses
The details of each criminal allegation are unique, but your attorney will look for defenses that have been effective in fighting similar charges in Gillette:
Drug Possession – Illegal search and seizure, improper testing procedures, alternate explanations for presence of drugs
Assault – Self-defense, misidentification of attacker, use of excessive force by alleged victim
DUI – Illegal traffic stop, failure to read Miranda rights, errors in breathalyzer testing
Theft – Mistaken identity, lack of direct evidence tying defendant to crime
Domestic Violence – Self-defense, fabricated allegations, lack of injury or violence
Sex Crimes – Consent defense, lack of DNA evidence, mistaken identity
White Collar Crimes – Lack of criminal intent, entrapment by authorities, misunderstanding of regulations
An adept lawyer well-versed in these defenses will craft the strongest argument to fight your specific charges.
The Criminal Trial Process in Gillette
If negotiating a plea bargain is not possible and your case proceeds to trial, your criminal defense attorney will aggressively litigate your case through each phase of trial. Key stages include:
Pretrial Motions
Your lawyer can file motions challenging evidence, requesting dismissal of charges, or raising other procedural objections. This sets the stage for trial.
Jury Selection
Both defense and prosecution have a say in selecting jurors. Your lawyer can shape the jury to be as favorable as possible.
Opening Statements
Your attorney presents an overview of your defense theory and anticipates flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Questioning Witnesses
Through cross-examination, your lawyer can undermine witness credibility and create doubts around their testimony.
Closing Arguments
This final statement to the jury is your lawyer’s last chance to argue weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and your innocence.
Sentencing
If convicted, your lawyer advocates for the lightest possible penalties allowed under sentencing guidelines.
Skilled trial lawyers use every available opportunity in court to dismantle the prosecution’s version of events and establish reasonable doubt around your guilt.