Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lincoln, NE

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lincoln, Nebraska?

  For information and non-emergency cases, you may call the Lincoln Police Department at (402) 441-6000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lincoln, Nebraska?

  If you need to obtain a copy of the incident's police report, you may visit the Lincoln Police Department's website: www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Police/Police-Records.

• Why do you need a criminal defense lawyer when you are arrested for a crime in Lincoln?

  Having an experienced Lincoln criminal defense attorney from the start can help you avoid possible issues at trial and may even help you avoid getting charged with a crime in the first place. Your attorney can help you with the following:

  • Prepare for investigations
  • Negotiate with prosecutors
  • Defend against criminal charges
  • Build defense strategies

• What are the criminal penalties for felony convictions in Lincoln?

  There are four felony classifications in Lincoln with corresponding penalties. The following are:

  • Class I - death penalty
  • Class IA - life sentence
  • Class IB - 20 years to life imprisonment
  • Class IC - five to 50 years in prison
  • Class ID - three to 50 years in prison
  • Class II - one to 50 years in prison
  • Class IIA - 20 years maximum imprisonment
  • Class III - four years maximum imprisonment and $25,000 fine/two-year post-release supervision
  • Class IIIA - three years maximum imprisonment and $10,000 fine/18-month post-release supervision
  • Class IV - two years maximum imprisonment and $10,000 fine/12-month post-release supervision

• What are the punishments for misdemeanor charges in Lincoln?

  There are seven classes of misdemeanors in Lincoln with different punishments. Those are the following:

  • Class I - one-year imprisonment and/or a $1,000 maximum fine
  • Class II - six-month imprisonment and/or a $1,000 maximum fine
  • Class III - three-month imprisonment and/or a $500 maximum fine
  • Class IIIA - seven-day imprisonment and/or a $500 maximum fine
  • Class IV - $500 maximum fine
  • Class V - $100 maximum fine
  • Class W - 60-day imprisonment and $500 fine for the first offense

• What are the different felony crimes that occur in Lincoln?

  There are different kinds of felony crimes that occur in Lincoln and other communities in Nebraska. If you are charged with a felony offense, you need to reach out to a criminal defense attorney right away. The following are some of the crimes that are considered felony crimes:

  • Assault and kidnapping
  • Theft, burglary, and arson
  • Murder and manslaughter
  • Sex crimes
  • Weapons charges
  • Drug-related offenses
  • Drunk driving
  • White-collar crimes

• What are the extenuating circumstances that criminal attorneys in Lincoln use for their defendants?

  Criminal attorneys in Lincoln use the following defense strategies for their clients to avoid punishments, reduce sentences, or gain acquittals:

  • Self-defense - for situations that involve physical altercations
  • Consent - for kidnapping and sex-related cases
  • Intent - a defense lawyer proves that the defendant accidentally committed the crime
  • Insanity - a psychiatrist/mental health professional's testimony proving that the defendant is legally incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong
  • Entrapment - coerced into doing the crime by an undercover police officer

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.