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The Defense Process Protecting Your Rights & Defending Your Future

The Defense Process

Having worked with countless individuals and families facing some of the most challenging experiences life has to offer, our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys know that the criminal justice system can appear an intimidating and overwhelming challenge. As many of our clients are unfamiliar with the ways in which the legal system works, we always make it a point to ensure that they have all the information needed to begin their legal journey. If you or your loved one stands accused of a criminal charge, you can be sure that our legal team is here to guide you step by step through your unique defense process.

What You Can Expect

As an American citizen, you have the right to defend yourself against accusations made by the government. Asserting these rights, however, can be a difficult endeavor when you are not familiar with the legal system. Regardless of what your charge may be, criminal cases are matters of calculated and rigid proceedings. They entail procedural steps and timelines that you should be aware of and prepared for during your case.

While cases are always unique, the steps involved in the defense process are generally the same. After an arrest, you will have the right to seek legal representation so that you can have lawyers guiding you through this process one careful step at a time. You will also have the opportunity to prepare your defense, an endeavor that can be made much more effectively with the assistance of experienced lawyers. During this time, the government, including law enforcement officers and prosecutors, will be preparing their case against you.

After an arraignment - the process during which you are formally informed about the charges you face - pre-trial hearings may be held before any actual case begins. Pre-trial hearings permit a judge the opportunity to hear each side's arguments and establish the evidence to be presented during the case.

Your Unique Circumstances

Once formal protocol has been completed, including the arrest and booking process and arraignment, your unique circumstances will influence the trajectory of your case. Our legal team will work closely with you to establish all of your available defense options and choose the one most appropriate to your situation. Depending on the charges involved, you may find that negotiating a settlement or agreement with the prosecutor will be your best opportunity to reduce charges and penalties. As trial can also be a powerful tool in the hands of an experienced attorney, we can help you evaluate whether a trial is the best plan of action in your case.

Allow a St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyer to Help You Begin Your Defense

Our attorneys are prepared to begin your unique defense process the moment you reach out to our firm. We want to stress that your specific situation and the facts surrounding your case will always ultimately impact how your defense process works. No matter where you or your loved one currently stands in the process, we encourage you to schedule a free case evaluation so that you can become prepared for what is to come. Find the support you need to guide you through your legal proceedings. 

Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC today to get started on your case.

client testimonials

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Thank God for Mark Hammer"

    I cannot begin to explain in words how thankful I am that I contacted the Hammer Law Firm when I found myself facing criminal legal charges. I and my family will always be grateful beyond words for the role that Mark Hammer and The Hammer Law Firm played i

    - Former Client
    "Mark and Nicole are the best law firm partners ever."

    They are professional, courteous, and respectful to both the courts and their clients. This team of professionals is not in business just for the money, they are truly out to help their clients.

    - C.E.
    "He is a gentleman, exudes confidence and relieves stress with his truth."

    After a thorough review, Mark began to address every legal issue confronting our son, he had already done his homework, which began to bring sanity back into our family as we sat there.

    - Ken
    "Phenomenal Experience!!"

    We contacted Mark Hammer for help with our son. Mark was truly amazing! He worked hard for our son, was always a text or phone call away, and we could not have asked (or predicted) a better outcome! Absolutely in awe of him.

    - D.C.
    "You don't know how much of a blessing you are to us"

    Thank you so much, Nicole. I have faith and believe everything that's happening is for a reason. I know everything will be fine and I believe you are going to do everything you can and I'm very grateful for it.

    - C.G.
    "I could not have imagined getting through this difficult and uncertain time without the help of the Hammer Law Firm."

    I absolutely recommend Mark and Nicole to anyone who is needing more than a lawyer, but people who do genuinely care about you and who want to get the best possible outcome to get you through this difficult time.

    - E.M.
    "I have never met such dedicated attorneys that work so hard for the truth to come out at the trial."

    I just wanted to thank you again for your compassion, kindness, and support given to my family throughout this ordeal.  I thank the Hammer Law Firm for not only giving my son his life back but his family as well.

    - Former Client
    "I could call anytime, day or night, and you were there, even when times was bad for you."

    I feel that you were not just our attorneys, but a friend that stood beside us through it all. I could call anytime, day or night, and you were there, even when times were bad for you.

    - V.H.

WHY TRUST OUR ST. LOUIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM?

What Makes Us Different
  • One-On-One Attention
    We work directly with you to determine the best possible outcome based on your goals and needs. We then create personalized legal strategies to set your case up for success.
  • Accessibility & Availability
    Our attorneys pride ourselves on always being available to address any questions you have regarding your case. With our team, you aren't just a number.
  • Unique Legal Insight
    As former prosecutors who know how the 'other side' operates, we have a unique insight that allows us to set our client's cases up for success.
  • Experienced Legal Counsel
    The Hammer Law Firm, LLC team has more than 60 years of combined criminal law experience. We have the tools, knowledge, and resources to effectively advocate on your behalf.
protecting You & Your Future Former Prosecutors With Over 60 Years of Combined Experience

When you want personal support and proven representation, you need to bring The Hammer Law Firm, LLC to the fight.