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If you are accused of a crime, there is a lot more at stake than your reputation. Many crimes, such as assault, theft, and various drug charges, carry heavy fines and years behind bars. When your case is brought to trial, you will have the opportunity to tell your side of the story. This is your chance to make your voice heard; however, the legal process is complex and difficult to navigate. Without quality legal representation at your side, your risk of a guilty verdict is significantly higher.

Fresno criminal defense attorney Michael McKneely of Michael McKneely, Criminal Defense Lawyer can help make your voice clear. Attorney McKneely has dedicated his career to helping good people in tough situations avoid the harsh consequences of unjust criminal convictions. With experience in a wide variety of cases, from misdemeanor theft to felony sexual assault, attorney McKneely knows what to expect. As a former prosecutor, himself, he can anticipate the prosecution’s strategy to craft an effective defense.

At Michael McKneely, Criminal Defense Lawyer, we know every case is different. To find out how we can help, call (559) 443-7442 for a free consultation.

Experience and Planning

When you are fighting for your freedom, you need an attorney who has spent thousands of hours defending others. Even if your case seems hopeless, a skilled lawyer may be able to reduce your sentence or help you avoid the harshest penalties associated with your crime. For example, if you are charged with a drug crime, you may be looking at a significant prison sentence. With help from a capable legal representative, you may be able to negotiate a plea bargain. Instead of spending time behind bars, you may be able to strike a deal that only includes probation and fines.

The lawyer you work with should also be willing to talk with you about every detail of your case in a clear and direct way. They should listen to your side of the story so they can gather as much information as possible. When all of the details have been evaluated, only then can your case be presented in the best possible light. What many consider to be a cut and dried case can be revealed as a misunderstanding, but only after a thorough examination. Beyond crafting a convincing argument on your behalf, a quality lawyer can also help you plan for various scenarios and outcomes. This may involve seriously considering a plea agreement or finding a way to reduce the impact of a conviction.

Handling Cases Like Yours

The lawyer you work with should also have extensive experience with cases like yours. If you are charged with driving under the influence, you’ll want an attorney who focuses on DUIs and related offenses. Conversely, if you were arrested on drug possession charges, you should obtain an attorney with success in similar cases. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your particular case, having a lawyer who has handled cases like yours in the past, especially at trial, will give you a distinct advantage in the fight for your freedom.

How McKneely Law Can Protect Your Freedom

A knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer will demonstrate that there are a number of legal defenses that are effective in a criminal case. One effective technique involves proving that your rights were violated in some way. Criminal investigations have a lot of moving parts and mistakes happen all the time. Perhaps you were physically abused, or maybe you were subjected to an illegal house search. The government cannot secure a conviction by illegal means.

It might also be the case that you were the victim of mistaken identity. Although eyewitness testimony is the most commonly used form of evidence, it is also the most unreliable. Many people have been falsely accused this way.

As a Fresno criminal defense lawyer, Michael McKneely understands how difficult it can be for the average person when they are caught up in a criminal case. If you are imprisoned, you may not know how your family will survive, especially if they rely on your income. Your career might also be ruined if you are convicted, as some employers feel like they are no longer able to trust an employee who has been found guilty of a crime, or even charged with one. At Michael McKneely, Criminal Defense Lawyer, seeking justice for our clients is our only objective and attorney McKneely is prepared to do whatever it takes under the law to represent your interests and aggressively defend you in court.

Call us at (559) 443-7442 or contact us online today to find out how you can put this nightmare behind you.