Criminal defense covers a multitude of legal charges

jvaughn

As a former law enforcement officer, Lawyer Jason Vaughn is specially qualified to handle Criminal Defense cases. He knows the laws regarding, possession, assault, theft. He has experience with the many charges you may face, including assault, drug possession, theft, shoplifting, etc.

Potential Criminal Defense charges

Drug Offenses

  • Marijuana possession charges
  • Cocaine possession and distribution
  • Possession with intent to sell and deliver
  • Drug trafficking
  • Conspiracy to traffic
  • Cultivation and manufacturing
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

Assault Charges

Arresting_A_Criminal

  • Aggravated assault
  • Domestic violence
  • Assaults resulting from bar fights
  • Vehicular homicide, vehicular assault from DWI
  • Gang-related violent crimes
  • Homicide, including manslaughter and murder
  • Armed robbery

Computer Crimes

Computer_Crimes

  • Web site fraud
  • Identity theft
  • Federal Internet drug charges
  • Operation of an unlicensed Internet pharmacy
  • Soliciting for prostitution over the Internet
  • Chat room solicitation of a minor
  • Illegal phishing
  • Child pornography, Internet sex crimes

Driving During Revocation

  • DWI defense
  • Driver’s license reinstatement
  • Traffic violations, speeding tickets, reckless driving
  • DMV hearings for driver’s license suspensions
  • Court appearances on your behalf

Property Crimes

Caught_Shoplifting

  • Shoplifting
  • Juvenile theft offenses
  • Auto theft
  • Fraud, white collar theft
  • Cash drawer embezzlement
  • Burglary, breaking and entering
  • Armed robbery, theft with assault
  • ID theft, stolen credit cards, check forgery

Sex Offense Crimes

  • Aggravated sexual assault, rape
  • Statutory rape, juvenile sex offenders
  • Internet sex crimes, computer child pornography
  • Solicitation of a minor
  • Lewd behavior, indecent exposure
  • Prostitution, solicitation

Expungements

We handle criminal defense cases involving juveniles, state felony and misdemeanor offenses. We will work diligently to help you protect your future. It starts by contacting us to what we can do about your current record.

Here is what to expect if you have been charged with a misdemeanor:

Man_Handcuffed

  1. Arrest and formal charges
  2. First Appearance: This is your initial appearance in a courtroom. We may be able to handle this appearance for you and plead not guilty, if appropriate. Your case will be re-scheduled once you determine whether you will retain an attorney or have one appointed by the court. People charged with a misdemeanor typically will have to go to court when aggressively fighting for an acquittal.
  3. Pretrial Negotiations: This is where we, as your attorney, fight to dismiss or reduce charges in discussions with the prosecutor, law enforcement and potential witnesses. This phase can take from one to six months. During this phase, we are gathering evidence and developing defense strategies that are specific to your case.
  4. Trial: Your case will be set for a bench trial before a judge if your case cannot be settled in pretrial conferences and you are fighting for an acquittal. In a trial, the burden of proof is on the prosecutor/state.

Here is what to expect if you have been charged with a felony:

Need a Criminal Defense attorney?

Contact our office to see how we can help. Our attorneys have over 16 years of law enforcement experience to help you build the strongest criminal defense case possible.

Lower Court Hearings

  1. Arrest and formal charges
  2. First Appearance: You are required to appear at the initial hearing. You will be advised of your charges, the maximum possible punishment and your right to counsel. We, as your attorney, will be by your side to help you understand and get you through the process.
  3. Preliminary settings: This portion of the process is often called the discovery phase. This is our opportunity to collect evidence from the state prosecutor and review the evidence gathered against you.
  4. Pre-Trial Negotiations: Before court dates, we will meet with the prosecutor to discuss your case and negotiate possible alternatives to trial, including probation or other lesser included offenses.
  5. Probable Cause Hearing: If a plea bargain agreement cannot be reached, we can request a hearing to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This is our opportunity to cross-examine witnesses the prosecutors have assembled to testify against you. This is another opportunity to settle the case out of court because it gives both sides a chance to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
  6. Grand Jury: Should a judge find probable cause, your case will be sent before a Grand Jury. If the Grand Jury believes there is sufficient evidence, a bill indictment will be returned.

Higher Court Hearings for Cases Going to Trial

  1. Arraignment: You are required to be present as we enter a plea of not guilty.Jail_Fence
  2. Motions and Settlement Conferences: We file motions to suppress evidence or change venue if applicable, or employ other legal procedures to your advantage. This is an additional period during which evidence can be gathered to build defense in your case.
  3. Trial: It is always your decision, as the client, whether to proceed to trial. We will clearly advise you of your rights at every step of the process. Last-minute settlements and plea arrangements are not uncommon leading up to the trial.
  4. Sentencing: Sentences in plea agreements are part of the arrangement you accept. If you are found guilty by jury, we argue aggressively for the lowest allowable sentence. Even if you are convicted of a felony crime, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will go to jail or prison. The judge has many options available. We will present those options on your behalf.