Criminal Defense Lawyer Clarksville TN: Defending Your Freedom and Rights

Helping Our Clients Fight Criminal Charges

Suppose you are facing criminal charges in Clarksville or greater Montgomery County. In that case, the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates is here to help you navigate the criminal court system and fight the allegations against you.

The Tennessee legal system can be challenging to navigate without the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Depending on the circumstances involved, if convicted of a crime, you could be ordered to serve jail time, pay steep fines, and have a permanent criminal record. Criminal offenses that involve sex crimes or drug charges can negatively impact your ability to achieve your goals and move forward in life.

We have experience with many types of criminal cases and have provided an overview below of the benefits of hiring a criminal defense attorney.

When you are facing criminal charges, there is no time to waste. Contact the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates immediately to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation with one of our Clarksville criminal defense attorneys, who will professionally evaluate your case.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney?

A criminal defense attorney works with individuals charged with crimes to ensure their rights are protected throughout the legal process. An attorney uses their legal skills to help prevent a client from ending up with a criminal conviction that will remain on their permanent record.

If you are facing criminal charges, you need legal representation from an attorney with extensive experience and will not back down from prosecutors. Working for your best interests is just one of your attorney’s primary responsibilities. Below are more ways a criminal defense lawyer can help your case.

Ensure You Understand the Charges and Penalties

Criminal charges can be complex and challenging to understand, but it is imperative that you know what you are charged with, why, and the possible penalties. An attorney with a specific education in criminal defense law can explain it in plain language so you can understand what is going on and what will occur as your case progresses.

Keep You From Further Incriminating Yourself

Another primary role of your legal team is to keep you from incriminating yourself. A defense attorney can help to protect you from self-incrimination by being present when you are being questioned by the authorities or deciding whether you should take the stand in your own defense.

Provide Legal Representation During Negotiations or Trial

Finally, one of the most essential roles of criminal defense lawyers is to provide legal representation for clients when dealing with prosecutors or going to trial. Criminal cases often never make it to trial because they are resolved through tough negotiations with prosecutors. However, if the state is unwilling to offer a favorable plea deal, a defense lawyer will fight to ensure clients receive a fair trial.

What Kinds of Cases Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Work On?

Criminal defense attorneys generally work on all kinds of criminal cases, including practice areas involving felony and misdemeanor charges. Below are some of the common cases criminal defense attorneys like those of the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates take on.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes can include charges such as aggravated assault and murder, as well as weapons charges. Most violent crimes are charged as felonies and result in significant prison sentences.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes like rape and sexual battery are serious criminal charges that can negatively impact your ability to achieve life goals and require the assistance of an experienced defense attorney.

Theft Crimes

Petty theft, shoplifting, robbery, and grand larceny are theft crimes. They can make finding employment, housing, or a professional license difficult.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes usually involve charges of drug possession or possession with intent to distribute. Tennessee takes a tough stance on drug offenses, and a conviction can result in a defendant being sent to state prison.

DUI Cases

DUI cases can be charged as felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the arrest and whether there are prior convictions. A DUI that involves death or injury may be charged as a felony, including vehicular homicide or assault.

Criminal lawyers also provide legal counsel for other serious criminal matters, including domestic violence, white-collar crimes, probation violations, and juvenile crimes. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates immediately to schedule a free consultation so we may review your case.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Defense Attorney if I Am Facing Misdemeanor Charges?

A common misconception among defendants facing misdemeanor charges is that they do not need to hire a defense attorney. Because misdemeanor crimes such as minor theft offenses or reckless driving are considered less serious criminal charges, many individuals do not think they need to hire an attorney.

However, even though misdemeanor offenses may result in lesser criminal penalties, they can still result in being sentenced to jail time, being ordered to pay steep fines, and possibly probation.

A defense attorney can provide the legal counsel you need to make informed decisions about your case. For example, suppose you are charged with misdemeanor theft under $500. If you agree to plead guilty without consulting an attorney, you can have a theft conviction on your criminal record that can impact your ability to obtain employment.

Furthermore, a first-time DUI is considered a misdemeanor if the incident did not result in death or injury. However, even though it is a misdemeanor, defendants could be sentenced to jail time and probation and have their driver’s license revoked for a year. A defense attorney may be able to have evidence thrown out to help a defendant avoid a DUI conviction that will haunt them for the rest of their life.

Therefore, hiring a defense attorney to represent you is always wise. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys strive to help clients obtain results that are favorable to them and not the prosecution. Our Clarksville criminal defense attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors to reach a plea deal to avoid a conviction.

For more information about our legal services, contact our law firm to schedule a free initial consultation.

What Should I Know About Working With a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Working with a criminal defense attorney as a client probably is not on anyone’s bucket list. Furthermore, the experience of facing criminal charges can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating. Hiring a criminal defense attorney to represent you and fight for your rights is essential. Nevertheless, there are several issues you should be aware of when working with a defense attorney that can help the process go more smoothly.

They Are on Your Side

The first thing to remember about working with a criminal law attorney is that they assist you with your case. Another key role they play is to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have an experienced legal team to help you fight the criminal charges.

They Need Full and Accurate Information to Help You

Regarding your legal counsel, it is essential to be completely honest and upfront with the information you give your attorney. It can be tempting to leave out parts that seem to paint you in a bad light, or that might make you seem guilty. Still, your communications with your legal team are privileged, and they need all of the information — even the ones you think may not be necessary — to be able to represent you.

There Are No Guarantees When It Comes to the Court System

The criminal justice system can be unpredictable, especially when you are dealing with a jury trial. While your attorney will do everything in their power to work toward a positive outcome for you, it is essential to remember that nothing is guaranteed. If you are concerned about taking your chances with a trial or have questions about the legal process, your attorney can provide more information and help you understand your options.

Why Do I Need to Have a Criminal Defense Lawyer Present if the Police Question Me?

If you are under investigation or in custody, the police may try to question you. Sometimes, a police officer may try to tell you that if you answer their questions, you can clear the matter up and go home. However, law enforcement officers can use deceptive tactics to build criminal cases.

For this reason, you must have a criminal defense lawyer present if you are being questioned. Additionally, even if you believe you are under investigation, hiring a defense attorney to advise you on protecting your rights is best.

Criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to helping clients safeguard their constitutional rights when police question them. The Fifth Amendment guarantees individuals the right to remain silent and protects them from making incriminating statements that can be used against them in court.

If you are arrested, you should politely inform law enforcement that you do not wish to answer any questions until your lawyer is present. Once you invoke your right to remain silent, you do not have to answer any other questions until your lawyer arrives.

Regardless of whether you have been arrested for misdemeanor or felony charges, having a lawyer present during questioning is essential. Your defense lawyer can advise you on answering questions and ensuring that the police treat you fairly.

At the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates, our criminal defense team is passionate about protecting our client’s legal rights. If you are facing criminal charges, do not answer questions without an attorney present. Contact our law firm to schedule a free initial consultation today.

When Should I Consider Hiring a Defense Attorney?

Often, clients’ biggest mistake is waiting to hire a defense attorney. Many individuals under police investigation or arrested hope the situation will resolve itself.

However, you must obtain qualified legal representation immediately if you have been arrested or investigated for criminal acts. Even if you suspect you may be arrested, you must hire a criminal defense attorney who can advise you of your rights and guide your case through the legal system.

For example, if you have been arrested for domestic assault or drug crimes, you may be hopeful that the charges will be dropped. However, Tennessee law takes a dim view of violent crimes and drug offenses. If you wait to hire a lawyer, it takes time for them to familiarize themselves with the case, including evidence and witness statements.

Instead, hiring a defense attorney to provide skilled legal advice is in your best interest. A defense attorney can file a motion to try to have the case dismissed or argue that the charges should be reduced. Your attorney can also try to plea bargain with the state to reach a deal that provides you with a favorable outcome and helps avoid the time and frustration of going back and forth to court.

Our Clarksville criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience safeguarding clients’ legal rights. Let us review your case to help you understand your legal options.

Why is the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates the Right Choice to Handle My Criminal Case?

Knowing who to trust to handle your case may be challenging if you have been charged with a crime. When trying to choose an attorney, there are several things to keep in mind. You will work closely with your attorney, so you want to ensure they are a good fit. You need to feel comfortable discussing your case with them and disclosing personal information about your circumstances. Our law firm realizes this can be a taxing part of the process, but trust is vital to building your relationship with your lawyer. Choosing the right defense attorney will get you the best possible representation.

At the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates, we are passionate about defending clients in the Middle Tennessee area and the surrounding counties. We will work hard to provide you with quality representation. Our attorneys provide in-depth legal counsel on the different defense options available for your case. Because every case is different, the right strategy for one case may not be for another. Your legal counsel will explain your options and the pros and cons of each to help you decide on the right path moving forward.

You do not have to face criminal charges alone. If you are looking for a law firm with experience in criminal defense cases, our team can help. Call the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates at 931-236-2711 to schedule a free consultation with a Clarksville criminal defense lawyer who will gladly review your case and answer your questions.