Ryan Garry LLC, Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys

The prosecution must prove that you were aware that you were in possession of the drugs in question. Merely showing that you were in possession does not indicate guilt. Besides proving to the court that you know you are in possession of the drug, the prosecutor must also prove that you are also aware that the drug is illegal. A knowledgeable and aggressive attorney like Ryan Garry for drug possession may build a defense around trying to prove that you weren't aware of the drugs and/or that they were a controlled substance.

The government may seek criminal forfeiture in most states when the property is stolen or obtained through criminal activity. If the government proves that money was used in buying or selling the car with proceeds of insider trading, it can also ask the court to forfeit the car and financial assets related to it.

Many white collar crimes involve fraud and dishonesty, so employers are concerned if they hire someone who has been convicted of a crime because of the fear of future misconduct. Additionally, some employers worry about the fact that they have to make the disclosure to their shareholders and in other documents that they hired an employee with a criminal history.

You may not realize the full consequences of the crime with which you are charged. Even if you are found guilty of the crime, you may be able to save your freedom by consulting with an attorney who has experience with criminal defense. Criminal defense attorneys are needed to ensure that the constitutional rights that all criminal defendants are guaranteed, regardless of guilt or innocence, are respected.

Criminal defendants need an attorney, and perhaps innocent defendants need it even more to ensure their rights are protected and the truth prevails.

The term white collar crime refers to criminal conduct that involves deceit and concealment in exchange for money, property, services, or a business or professional advantage. White collar crimes can also be defined as crimes committed in white collar organizations and not in blue collar ones. White collar crimes are usually not violent, but they can still be just as devastating.

In the US, all drugs are categorized into five different “classes”, A through E. By possession of a controlled substance without a valid medical prescription, a person is charged with having a drug crime. Law enforcement alleges that drugs were either in your possession (in your hand or pocket) or you were in control of them (in the trunk or glove compartment of your car).

The term "commuted sentence" is used widely nowadays. When an offense is commuted, it may result in a smaller criminal sentence or a lesser fine or penalty. A person must be currently serving a federal or state prison sentence in order to apply for a commuted sentence. A formal application must be submitted to the state governor for a state crime or the President of the United States for a federal crime.

When convicted of a crime, you should seek out alternatives to incarceration wherever possible. Alternative sentencing includes community service, work furlough, electronic monitoring, home arrest, probation, restitution, fines, and diversion to a drug or alcohol treatment program. Occasionally, a sentence may be reduced or commuted into a lesser crime if you are already serving a prison sentence.

After being charged, the first court date you will likely have is the arraignment day. You will be formally charged and be asked to enter a plea. Following putting in a plea of not guilty, the discovery phase begins, which includes an investigation into the case. It is also during this phase that many pre-trial motions are filed. This process can take some time, depending on the complexity of the charge. The case will then go to trial when all discovery, investigation and pretrial motions have been completed with the defense submitting an answer. Negotiations may occur between the prosecution and defense attorney anytime during this period.

As soon as you have been arrested, contact a criminal defense lawyer to assist you. Disclose all information you believe could assist your case as soon as possible. Do not miss court dates and inform your attorney of any possible witnesses, including anyone in your vehicle.