Criminal Law

Like many of us, we were raised to respect the law, that police or deputies were there to protect us against criminals in the community. Others were brought up to fear the law authorities or not trust law enforcement.

Nevertheless, when you are suspected to be a participant in a crime, law enforcement may contact you for questioning.

Warning: Do not speak to anyone, including law enforcement, without my being present after I am retained; this includes investigative detectives.

You may think cooperating with law enforcement is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the questioning could result in your being arrested because you said something that supports their belief you were involved. Don’t try to convince anyone that you are innocent. It does not work. Nothing good will come of your cooperation without legal guidance being present.

Tell law enforcement you will not participate in questioning without the presence of an attorney representing your interests. Do not be coerced in explaining your situation, you have the absolute right to refuse to answer questions posed by law enforcement, be polite but firm. Call the Gitlen Law Firm and receive the legal advice and assistance you are entitled to. If you are told that if you need an attorney, you must be hiding something, or talk to us now because things will only get worse for you, or that you will be arrested if not speak to us right now. Insist that you want an attorney present.

Do not talk to anyone concerning your case. By contacting the Gitlen Law Firm, any communications with you are protected by attorney-client confidentiality.

Contact us immediately if you are arrested. Once retained, the Gitlen Law Firm will assist in obtaining a reasonable bond amount set by the Court. It may be a cash bond meaning the funds are deposited with the court, or you may obtain a bond to be filed with the court by a bail bondsman. The business of a bail bondsman is to furnish a bond to the court. The fee is normally 10% of the amount of the bond set by the court.

Bond reduction hearings are possible, the Gitlen Law Firm can assist once retained, and a Notice of Appearance is filed by us, followed by a motion to reduce the set bond amount. Bond amounts can be high, and without the assistance of legal counsel, you may not be able to afford the obtainment of a lawyer and obtainment of a bond during this period of time.