Rochester Trial Attorney
If you have been accused of a crime you need to retain a qualified, experienced, seasoned veteran criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. The law firm of Robert A. Shapiro has been just that for thirty seven years. Most of the business of the law office of Robert A. Shapiro comes from referrals of satisfied clients, and other attorneys who know my skill and reputation in this area.
In the practice of a criminal defense the law office of Robert A. Shapiro strongly recommends that you come in for a free and private consultation. If you are facing jail time or the loss of your civil rights you should meet with the person who you want to represent you and protect your interest before you decide to hire them.
The attorney client relationship is strongest in all areas of law but especially in the area of criminal law. When you come into our office to discuss your case with us, if you decide that you do not want us to represent you the attorney client relationship assures you that what you have said here stays here.
While there are no guarantees in life in general, the law firm of Robert A. Shapiro does make a firm commitment to each and everyone of our clients that you will receive an effective and aggressive representation. Every client deserves a second chance in life and, therefore, they should expect and receive nothing but the best from their attorney. The law office of Robert a. Shapiro offers that to each and every client.
Throughout my career I have been asked by friends, neighbors, clients, and even strangers the question "How can you represent so and so on such and such a charge". My answer to all of them is the same. Every time I walk into a Courtroom I am not only defending an individual but I am defending our criminal Justice system that guarantees to every defendant the presumption of innocence and the equal protection under the law.
Clients are not completely honest with their attorney and that can only hurt the client in the long run. That's why I stress the importance of 'client confidentiality' in the attorney client relationship. The attorney client relationship is designed to establish a truthful and confidential discussion of the case between the lawyer and the client. Innocence or guilt is really irrelevant to me. The government has the burden to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt each and every element of each and every charge they place against my client.
My job as a trial attorney, is to guarantee that my client gets a fair trial. By getting a "Fair trial" I mean that the government must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, each and every element of each and every crime my client is accused of.
During jury selection process I constantly refer to the movie "Twelve Angry Men" staring Henry Fonda, as well as the movie "To Kill a Mockingbird" with Gregory Peck. Those two great films, in my opinion, embody our criminal justice system. Those films are the reason I get up every morning and do what I do day after day and year after year and I enjoy every single moment of my practice.
As far as general advice is concerned, I have a lot of people contacting me on a daily basis asking me general questions as to what to do in a certain situation or what their rights are if something were to come up. The best advice I can give to them is to keep your mouth shut. You have no obligation to answer a police officer's questions except as to give them your name and address and show them your driver's license if it is requested. You do not have to consent to the search of your home or your car at any time whatsoever. Do not obstruct an officer in an investigation or you will be arrested for that. Always be polite and respectful. Stay calm, if possible, and don't let your facial expressions or body language give a police officer any additional suspicion above and beyond what they already have.
If a police officer is going to arrest you do not resist. Insist upon talking to a lawyer and politely tell the officer that you are not going to talk to them without a lawyer being present. I can assure you that if you give any police officer "lip" you will be arrested.
The fifth amendment to the United States Constitution as well as your own state's constitution gives you the absolute right to remain silent. Avail yourself of that right and keep your mouth shut. Cooperate with the police by giving them your name and address and any other documents they want and keep your mouth shut. If you have a family lawyer or criminal lawyer that you are working with ask to call that person. If you are going to be arrested, the more courteous you are to the arresting officer the better chance you will have of being released without bail by most judges. You are not committing a crime by refusing to answer questions but you can be arrested for not properly identifying yourself.
Remember police can not search your home without your consent unless they have a search warrant. The same is true for your car unless there is something in plain view which gives them reasonable suspicion to go and search your vehicle. Therefore, contraband should not be left in plain view.
To speak with an experienced Rochester, New York, lawyer contact the Law Office of Robert A. Shapiro
Law Office of Robert A. Shapiro
Family Law and Criminal Law Attorneys
Executive Office Building, 36 West Main St., Suite 102
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 546-6170
Fax: (585) 546-5563
Tailored Payment Plans ● Free Consultations ● Off-site and weekend appointments available
The Law Office of Robert A. Shapiro is located in Rochester, New York, and serves clients in Monroe County, Livingston County, Ontario County, Wayne County, and Genesee County, including Rochester, Pittsford, Fairport, Perinton, Irondequoit, Greece, Penfield, Webster, Henrietta, Gates, Chili, Canandaigua, Victor, Brockport, Spencerport, Batavia, and Brighton, New York. If you need quality legal representation in Greater Rochester or western New York contact the Law Office of Robert A. Shapiro.