You have the right to an effective lawyer - Even for Plea Bargains!!!

The United States Supreme Court recently issued two decisions that impact all Defendant's and criminal defense attorneys. In Missouri v. Frye and Lafler v. Cooper, the Court (in 5-4 decisions) determined that defendants in criminal cases have the right to effective representation of counsel, not only at the trial level, but in the plea bargaining process. Justice Kennedy noted that "[c]riminal justice today is for the most part a system of pleas, not a system of trials." Approximately 97 percent of Federal criminal cases are resolved by plea agreement and approximately 94 percent of all State cases end by plea agreement. .

Some, like Justice Antonin Scalia, believe that this decision is an expansion of constitutional protections, and as Justice Scalia noted "opens a whole new boutique of constitutional jurisprudence", something Justice Scalia deemed "plea-bargaining law."

It is my belief that my clients deserve effective representation in all phases of their case. Whether during pre-trial motions, negotiating a plea bargain, or at trial, effective, aggressive representation is necessary.

If you, or a family member, is charged with a criminal offense, such as Drunk Driving (DUI/OWI), Battery or Drug Crime, call me, Gregory A. Miller, a Fort Wayne Criminal Defense Lawyer, at (260) 833-7249

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