3 Types of Charges Criminal Defense Lawyers Help With

Have you heard that the number of prisoners in Mexico has grown by almost 25,000 in the last few years? Unfortunately, there are numerous instances of people going to prison in Mexico because they didn’t seek help from a reputable criminal defense lawyer. But what types of charges does a criminal defense attorney help with?

Here’s a look at three types of charges criminal defense lawyers specialize in.

1. Drug Possession

Drug possession is one of the most common types of charges criminal defense lawyers deal with. In Mexico, it’s illegal to possess, use, or sell drugs as per the Mexican constitution and the General Health Law. However, it’s legal to possess various drugs for personal consumption if they’re below government-mandated limits. For instance, there’s no penalty for possessing 5g or less of recreational cannabis.

Unfortunately, the laws surrounding drug possession in Mexico can seem quite confusing for the average joe. Therefore, it’s important to consult a drug crimes attorney on drug possession before you go to Mexico if you want to stay on the right side of the law. They’ll tell you which substances are banned and/or regulated in Mexico, as well as the weight limits that constitute drug possession rather than production or intention to supply.

If you’ve already traveled to Mexico and you’ve been charged with drug possession, a drug crimes attorney will help you build a strong defense based on the facts of the case. If there’s a mismatch between the severity of the drug crime you’ve been charged with and the punishment dealt by the court, the criminal defense lawyer will spot it immediately.

2. Homicide

If you’ve ever seen a cop drama, chances are you’ve heard the term ‘homicide’ before. It refers to the crime of intentionally ending someone else’s life, and there are five types: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter.

If you’re charged with murder in Mexico, chances are you’ll serve a lengthy prison sentence depending on the degree of the murder. For example, first-degree murder is considered a capital felony in Mexico and is punishable by life in prison without parole. But what if you’re charged with first-degree murder, even if you never intended to end someone’s life? If that’s the case, it’s worth hiring a homicide crimes attorney.

Homicide attorneys are criminal defense lawyers who know the legal definitions of the five types of homicide extremely well. They also have professional relationships with key members of the court such as the judge. In other words, they’re well-positioned to help individuals charged with homicide lower their sentences. They also have the knowledge and experience to surmise whether the charges faced by their clients are justified.

3. Sex Crimes

It’s never easy facing sex crime charges. They often destroy the defendant’s reputation if the hearing is made public and rob people of their livelihoods irrespective of the outcome. So, how do you minimize the negative impact of a sex crimes case? The answer’s simple—hire a sex assault crimes attorney.

Criminal defense lawyers that specialize in sex crimes use numerous methods to ensure their clients obtain a positive outcome. They scrutinize the procedure used by the police to arrest and detain the defendant to check whether their rights were violated. If they were, the criminal defense attorney has the right to ask the judge presiding over the case to dismiss it.

The best criminal defense lawyers also have a ton of experience examining witnesses and using the facts established in the case to show why their client is innocent. If the prosecution is cherry-picking facts to paint a picture that favors the plaintiff, the criminal defense attorney will make the judge aware so that the sentencing isn’t based on a one-sided representation of what happened.

Are you looking for a cross-border crimes attorney in Tijuana who handles cross-border drug possession, homicide, and sex crimes cases? If so, our team at Meneses Legal is ready to help you!

We’ve defended countless clients charged with alleged drug possession, homicide, and sexual assault in Tijuana, Mexico. We also build solid defenses for clients charged with contraband and tax crimes as well as gun crimes. With over 40 years of defense law experience, we’re proud of the solid reputation we’ve built for being one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Mexico.

Contact Meneses Legal today to book a free consultation with a seasoned cross-border criminal lawyer in Tijuana!