Having a run-in with the criminal justice system feels overwhelming and frightening, which is why you shouldn’t do so without an experienced Escambia County criminal defense lawyer on your side. You probably have many questions about how the system works, the allegations you face, and the upcoming legal processes. At The Law Office of James M. Burns, attorney James M. Burns can answer these questions and provide you with guidance regarding your circumstances. With more than 20 years of experience, he has handled a variety of criminal cases. Contact our firm today to tell us your story and so we can begin crafting a strong defense on your behalf.
Escambia County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Building Your Defense Strategy
Every day, criminal accusations are made against good people that can place their futures in doubt. You need to realize that anyone can make a mistake, including a law enforcement officer. If you have been charged with a crime, you need to take action and learn what you are up against. Pensacola-based criminal defense attorney James M. Burns can help. Starting with a candid assessment of your situation, he will hear you out on what happened and explore every option for obtaining an acquittal, case dismissal, or manageable consequences.
Applying many years of experience in Florida and Alabama courts, attorney James M. Burns will complete an independent investigation and case review to answer important questions. Some of these include: What can the authorities prove? Was evidence against you obtained illegally? Attorney Burns will analyze each facet of your case in an effort to attain the best result possible on your behalf.
Our Escambia County Criminal Defense Services
Attorney James M. Burns has defended people just like you against misdemeanor and felony charges such as:
- Arson
- Assault
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Trafficking
- DUI Defense
- Expungement
- Gun Crime
- Minor in Possession
- Probation Violation
- Sex Crime
- Theft Crime
Can you keep a criminal charge from negatively affecting your job prospects, educational opportunities, and reputation in the community? It depends on the unique facts at play. But he’ll fight to reach the best possible resolution, whether through a negotiated plea or skilled advocacy in the courtroom. Further, if you’ve already been convicted of a crime, Attorney Burns can also guide you through the expungement process to help you clear your record. No matter where you are in the process, if you need competent legal representation that you can depend on, you’ve come to the right place.
The High Stakes Of Federal Criminal Charges
Anytime a criminal matter is prosecuted in U.S. federal court, the stakes are extremely high. For offenses ranging from drug sales and drug trafficking to fraud and other white-collar crimes, federal sentencing guidelines may lead to penalties far worse than you expected. Federal prosecutors are highly skilled and they have extensive resources for investigation and case building.
Arrested Or Under Investigation For A Federal Offense?
If you have been arrested in connection with a federal crime – or even contacted by any federal agent or authority about a criminal investigation – there is no time to lose in getting qualified defense counsel. Pensacola-based lawyer James M. Burns defends people against an array of federal charges in northwest Florida and southwest Alabama, including:
- All types of drug crime offenses, including possession, intent to deliver, and drug trafficking charges arising from traffic stops on Interstate 10 and other area roads
- Violent crimes and federal weapons offenses
- White-collar and Internet-related offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft
Misdemeanors Must Be Taken Seriously
While the most serious criminal offenses are charged as state or federal felonies, a misdemeanor conviction can also negatively impact nearly every part of your life. Even if you do not have reason to expect jail time, every decision you make matters.
For example, employers do not tend to think, “It’s just a misdemeanor” when a background check reveals an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), assault, drug possession, or theft. They simply move on. For college students and other young people just starting out, avoiding a criminal record can make all the difference in future educational opportunities and financial aid.
Defending You Against DUI, Drug Charges, Theft, And More
Our Escambia County criminal defense lawyer has been defending people charged with crimes throughout Pensacola, Florida, and southwest Alabama for over 20 years. His approach is personalized, genuinely caring and laser-focused on earning the best possible results in every case. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, Mr. Burns will prioritize your concerns and fight for your future. You can depend on:
- Clear, honest guidance on all potential consequences of any misdemeanor conviction, extending beyond fines, possible incarceration, and probation to many other life considerations
- Rigorous assessment of the prosecution’s case against you to determine what can be proven and whether you have a viable defense worth presenting at trial
- Negotiation to reduce the charge against you to a lesser offense or obtain an alternative to conviction – such as diversion or deferred prosecution sometimes available to first-time offenders – if that is the best path for you
Contact an Escambia County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you need legal assistance at once. Scheduling a free initial consultation is the first step. Contact us online today. Our firm proudly assists clients in Florida and Alabama including Baldwin County, Bay Minette, Daphne, Fairhope, Robertsdale, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Santa Rosa County.