Meet Daniel M. Murphy

Denver criminal defense lawyer, Daniel M. Murphy graduated from the University of Denver Law School in 1994. After passing the Bar Exam, Dan joined the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, and worked as a Colorado public defender. For nearly 3 years as a public defender, Dan learned Colorado’s judicial system and how to defend clients accused of the most difficult criminal and alcohol-related charges. Dan started his own DUI and criminal law practice in Denver in 1996. Early in his legal career, Dan became a participant in Law Line 9, a volunteer-based community legal service sponsored by KUSA 9-News, and he remains active with Law Line 9 today. Dan also serves the University Of Colorado School Of Law, as well as his own alma mater, Denver University, as a Moot Court Judge for law students who rely on his mentorship.

WHAT DO I DO IF I’M ARRESTED?

The mistakes that you make during an arrest can be very expensive. They could actually jeopardize your defense and complicate your Denver criminal defense attorney’s ability to get charges against you lowered or dismissed.

The most important right you have is the constitutional right to remain silent- make use of it. You don’t have to say anything against or in your favor, and you don’t have to present a defense when you’re arrested. No matter what police officers say to you, it is important to remain silent.

Don’t resist arrest. This is true in any circumstance, but even more so if you are in a public place and you are being arrested. Resisting encourages officers to use force against you, and you may also have extra charges of resisting arrest slapped against you. Not to mention the fact that resisting never does anything to help your case. Resisting arrest actually makes it seem like you have something to hide.

Don’t believe whatever the police to you. Police officers will make up stories in order to get you to trust them, and so that you may say something incriminating that can be used against you in court. Remember, an officer is not required to be honest with you. If you trust the officer and admit to anything, it could be a mistake that could prove devastating to your case.

Don’t allow police to conduct a search of your premises. If the police say that they want to search your premises, ask them for a warrant. The search is illegal unless an officer has a warrant. When an officer wants to search your car, he must have probable cause to suspect that you have been engaged in criminal wrongdoing. A search of your car may be illegal otherwise. Evidence that is obtained during a search that is not backed by legal documentation can actually be thrown out in court.

The police, after questioning you or stopping you, may arrest you or take you to the police station. In this case, it is important for you to continue working to safeguard your rights. If you have not spoken to the officers much, it is best to continue that behavior even at the police station.

Provide the police officer with your name and identifying information, and inform the police that you want to remain silent and that you want to talk to an attorney. You have the right to call to arrange for legal representation by a Denver criminal defense attorney, and it is absolutely imperative that you exercise that right immediately. Don’t say anything to police officers until your lawyer arrives at the scene.

Don’t provide explanations in the hope that the police will believe you, and will let you go. The police have absolutely no interest in letting you go. Also, remember not to discuss your citizenship or immigration status with anybody, not even with police officers. If asked, simply reply that you will not say anything until you have a lawyer present. Remember, being arrested for certain offenses can be an immediate trigger for deportation. If you are not a US citizen, you could find that you are sentenced to deportation for certain offenses.

If you have been arrested, you can expect to be photographed and fingerprinted. You may also be searched at the police station. If your family members arrive at the police station, you can expect that any conversations that you have with them will be monitored or even recorded. However, police cannot record conversations between you and your Denver criminal defense attorney.

When a person has been arrested, he is usually eligible for bail. In all but some of the most serious or violent crimes, a person may be eligible for bail. In some cases, however, a person may not even have to post bail in order to be released. This is called a personal recognizance bond, and the person may simply have to sign an agreement that confirms that he will appear in court at a future date when he is required to make an appearance.

The right to a lawyer is one of the most important rights that you have after an arrest. Don’t speak to police officers until you have consulted with your attorney.

CONSEQUENCES OF A CONVICTION

Sometimes, persons charged with an offense may not realize the long-term consequences of a conviction. They may be interested only in whether they will be convicted, and if yes, whether it will result in a jail sentence, but may not realize that there are other long-term consequences that may be probably even more devastating in the future.

For instance, persons convicted of certain offenses may lose their professional license, or government issued-certificate, which is necessary for them to continue to work. Discuss the possibility of this happening to you with your Denver criminal defense lawyer.

Certain types of convictions can also affect your ability to remain in contact with your children and can affect your child custody arrangement. Certain types of crimes, like felonies, or even certain misdemeanors like domestic violence convictions, can affect your ability to possess a firearm. If you are currently receiving public benefits, then you may find that those benefits are lost to you because of your criminal conviction.

When you meet with a Denver criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case, understand not just what types of charges you face but also the consequences of a guilty plea deal. These include not just the consequences in terms of the jail time you will serve, but also the consequences on your profession, your education prospects, your social life, as well as immigration status. Remember, that a Denver criminal defense lawyer will be able to advise you about all of these aspects, allowing you to make the right kind of decisions in your defense.

An Experienced Denver Criminal Lawyer

Dan Murphy has the expertise, knowledge, diligence, and compassion that make a great attorney. If you’ve been charged with a crime or a violation of the law, Dan Murphy will use his extensive legal resources and tools on your behalf. Call Dan’s downtown Denver office, and you’ll quickly understand why those in the legal community respect him and why his clients so appreciate him. Don’t hesitate. If you need a defender, contact Dan Murphy today.

To find out more about how Daniel M. Murphy can assist you, contact the office today to schedule your free consultation. If you are being investigated, or if you have been charged with any crime or traffic violation, you need an experienced Denver criminal defense lawyer fighting for you. Please schedule your free consultation with Daniel M. Murphy today!