Why Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Any person who is facing a Drunk Driving or traffic related criminal charge, no matter how minor, will benefit from consulting a qualified Minnesota criminal defense lawyer. Unlike civil court cases, where money or property may be at stake, a person suspected of committing a criminal act is in jeopardy of losing their fundamental freedom, and should act quickly to protect their rights by contacting Minneapolis Drunk Driving defense lawyer Joel Heiligman. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can identify important pretrial issues and bring appropriate motions which might significantly improve a defendant's case.
Unlike civil law, which involves private law suits between two or more private entities, criminal law involves defendants who are being prosecuted by the state or federal government. Minneapolis Drunk Driving defense lawyer Joel Heiligman represents individuals who are being prosecuted by the state of Minnesota for an act that has been classified as a crime. Crimes are generally classified as:
- Misdemeanors- less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft cases, or possession of a small amount of marijuana, or
- Felonies- more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder.
Minneapolis Drunk Driving defense lawyer Joel Heiligman. has successfully negotiated and litigated both misdemeanor and felony Drunk Driving and traffic related crimes.
Another important distinction between civil law and criminal law is the standard of proof that is required by the law. In order to prevail in a civil case, the plaintiff must demonstrate by 51% that the defendant is responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries. In criminal law, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged with the crime actually committed the crime. This standard is much higher than the civil standard, and requires the skilled legal representation of a qualified criminal defense Attorney to fight for a defendant’s exoneration.
A defendant who is found guilty of some or all charges in a criminal law trial is entitled to appeal the decision of the judge or jury. A criminal law appeal is a formal request that a higher court review the decisions or actions of a lower court. Grounds for an appeal may include insufficient evidence to support the verdict, incorrect legal rulings by the judge, or prosecutorial or juror misconduct. For additional information related to appeals, contact Minneapolis Drunk Driving defense lawyer Joel Heiligman.
WHY HIRE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER JOEL HEILIGMAN?
Who you choose to represent you in your Drunk Driving or traffic related criminal case will have an enormous impact on the outcome. Drivers charged with DWI or DUI offenses face stiff penalties which often result in devastating life changes. If convicted, a person faces substantial fines, mandatory incarceration (from 24 hours and beyond), driver's license suspension or even permanent revocation. Even for a first offense, the penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, mandatory attendance at a state or DMV approved alcohol program, probation, community service and overnight jail time. Many DWI/DUI offenders find it overwhelming to complete the sentencing as well as cope with the life changes required to participate in all the programs.
Minneapolis Drunk Driving criminal defense lawyer Joel Heiligman is committed to obtaining the best possible results for all of his Minnesota DWI/DUI clients. Having the ability to handle extremely serious criminal cases translates into better results for his Minnesota DWI/DUI clients. Having practiced law for 34 years, Drunk Driving criminal defense lawyer Joel Heiligman has the ability to handle all Drunk Driving and traffic related offenses.
If you or someone you know in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Anoka or anywhere within the surrounding cities and counties needs the assistance of an experienced DWI/DUI defense lawyer, contact Attorney Joel Heiligman at 866-784-3009 or via his convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Minnesota DWI/DUI defense lawyer.
