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Criminal Defense Attorney
in Omaha, Nebraska

Overview

The consequences of a criminal conviction are too varied and numerous to summarize here. They include, among other things, incarceration in jail or prison, deportation, substantial fines, and court costs, loss of driving and voting privileges and the ability to own or possess a weapon, and loss of employment or the ability to obtain a decent job. A qualified criminal defense attorney in Omaha can do the following:

  • Mount a successful defense if you are innocent

  • Advise you on what you can do to avoid jail or prison time

  • Obtain your entry into a program that can lead to a dismissal of your case

  • Seek house arrest and/or work release if jail time is imposed

  • Evaluate your case for any potential defenses

  • Successfully assert these defenses at trial or at a hearing to suppress evidence

  • Negotiate a favorable plea bargain for you

  • Obtain a reasonable bond allowing for your release from jail

  • Facilitate your arrest and release on outstanding charges so you avoid any jail

Whether you contact this office or another, contact a criminal defense attorney in Omaha that focuses only on criminal defense matters so you understand every option and defense available to you. At Nelson Law Offices, my aim is to do all of the above at an affordable price and with personalized attention to your case. Call any day, any time.

Nelson Law Offices in Omaha handles all phases of criminal cases, from investigation to appeal. The following is a summary of issues pertaining to criminal matters in Nebraska State Court. It does not include issues related to crimes prosecuted in Federal or Juvenile Court. Consult this criminal defense attorney office or another for questions regarding cases in Federal or Juvenile Court.

Outstanding Warrants

Investigation

Arrest/Citation

Defending Your Case

Post-Conviction Relief

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Omaha Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are one of the tens of thousands of people arrested and charged with a crime each year in Nebraska, you may face an uncertain future. While you can’t change the past or predict the future, you can hire me, Omaha criminal defense attorney Greg Nelson, to help make the best of this difficult and overwhelming situation. An experienced attorney can guide you through this confusing process, protect your rights, and possibly have your charges dropped or reduced. It’s imperative that you contact one as soon as possible after your arrest in order to get the most out of the services they have to offer. 

What Does an Omaha Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Working with a criminal defense attorney has many benefits. They do many things to help those charged with crimes in Nebraska. Here are several reasons why you should hire one to represent you.

Criminal lawyers specialize in criminal law. As such, they are well-versed in Nebraska criminal law and all potential defenses that might be successful in your case. They are also familiar with the local courts, district attorneys, and prosecutors who might be involved in your case. 

When law enforcement officers arrest someone, they send the charges to the prosecutor, who works as an attorney for the state. The prosecutor reviews the charges and the facts in the case to decide how to best proceed. If enough evidence supports the charges, the prosecutor will pursue the case in court. 

At this point, the arrested individual becomes a defendant. They have the legal right to hire an attorney to represent them. A criminal defense attorney can help them fight any type of criminal charge, including the following: 

  • Traffic crimes 

  • DUI charges

  • Theft cases

  • Drug possession and trafficking charges 

  • Violent crimes

  • Sex crimes

  • Domestic violence charges

  • Gun charges

They can also help with appealing cases and post-conviction relief. 

Assessing the Case and Developing Defense Strategies

When a criminal defendant hires a lawyer, they will first analyze the case. They review all the case details and examine evidence and facts to learn as much as possible about the circumstances and the charges. These are vital steps, and any mistakes during this process can jeopardize the entire case, making it essential to hire a skilled and knowledgeable attorney. An Omaha criminal defense attorney will also review the defendant’s criminal history, as sometimes it will impact a case’s outcome. 

The lawyer will also craft an appropriate defense based on the evidence and facts. They will use this as a basis for settling the case with the court or fighting it. For instance, they may be able to use your defense and the other facts in your case to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor or have the charges dropped altogether.

Advising Clients

Criminal defense lawyers are well-versed regarding the ins and outs of Nebraska’s complex criminal law. As such, you can trust their advice. When you discuss your case with your attorney, you will learn about the following:

  • Your rights: Lawyers can explain the law to you relating to your charges. They will discuss your legal rights in the matter, which can help you decide how you want to move forward with your case.  

  • Your options: Your attorney can advise you regarding your options for your charges. You may be able to choose between a plea bargain and going to trial. They will explain the pros, cons, and risks of each decision, which will ultimately be your decision. However, following your attorney’s advice is usually best.

Providing Guidance and Representation During Criminal Process

No matter which direction you decide to take your case, you will need legal guidance throughout the process. Part of your attorney’s job is to assist with the steps in the legal process.

For instance, you will be required to attend several court hearings. Your lawyer will be present at each one to explain your role in these hearings and your rights. You may or may not need to speak in front of the judge, but they will prepare you for it just in case, so you are ready. 

Handling Plea Bargains and Trials

A criminal defense lawyer also handles trials and plea bargains. Plea bargains can help you avoid a trial, but they still require admitting guilt to a lesser crime. For example, with a plea bargain, the prosecutor might reduce your charges if you agree to a guilty plea. In exchange, you receive a lighter punishment.  

You aren’t obligated to accept the plea the court offers. Although, many criminal defendants find that accepting one is in their best interest. With a lighter sentence and less risk, sometimes it’s the best way to proceed with charges. 

The other option is to take your case to trial. Trials start with jury selection and then proceed with court hearings. Generally, with a trial, a group of jurors hears your case and determine if you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they determine you are guilty, they also sometimes play a role in any penalties you might face. 

Although it’s not always the best option, one benefit of deciding to go to trial is that you could walk away free with an innocent verdict. It’s your criminal defense attorney’s role to help you choose the best options that will result in the best outcome possible.

An Experienced Omaha Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges comes with much uncertainty. However, you can count on experienced Omaha criminal defense attorney Greg Nelson to obtain the best result possible in your case. He will examine all the details and the circumstances of your charges to determine the best course of action, guiding you in every step of the legal process. Contact my firm today to learn more about your rights and options after an arrest or being charged with a crime. Even if you haven’t been arrested yet, I can help. Contact us online.