Criminal Defense

Many people think traffic tickets are no big deal. But when your insurance rates go through the roof, having an experienced attorney at your side may be the best investment you ever make.

Don’t pay your ticket without fighting itIf you get a traffic ticket, don’t merely pay it. Call the Law Office of Harsha G Gowda, PLLC. Often times there are many hidden penalties. For instance, your insurance rates will go up and you will pay these extra premiums for years to come. And just paying the ticket may add points to your driving record resulting in suspension of your driving privileges or being assessed a driver responsibility fee which can be as much as $1000 per year for two years.

We have experience with traffic violations, representing drivers on charges that range from speeding or drunk driving to leaving the scene of an accident and almost everything in between.

For many Traffic Tickets, you don’t even have to appear in court.A lawyer can appear on your behalf and, in many cases, the ticket won’t even appear on your driving record. We will carefully scrutinize the facts, examine the conduct of the police who issued the ticket and look into all the circumstances that may help you to avoid any penalties. In addition, we will negotiate your ticket to minimize fines and points, lessening the impact on your insurance rates.

Calculate the Costs of Your Traffic TicketGetting a Lawyer to fight a traffic ticket might seem like overkill but it probably is the best investment you will ever make. Let’s say, that because of tickets, your insurance premium goes up $150 per quarter and you expect to pay that heightened premium for 5 years, that’s $3000.00. An aggressive Attorney can help reduce the number of points you receive but also to reduce the severity of the ticket itself.

Do You Need a Lawyer?Again, if you get a traffic ticket, don’t merely pay it. Call the Law Office of Harsha G Gowda, PLLC, today!

An accusation of retail fraud, shoplifting or theft is very serious and potentially very embarrassing. Stealing from another is puts into question a person’s honesty and integrity, which are very important principles to maintain. Further, allegations of theft, retail fraud or other crimes of dishonesty can be easily mischaracterized, or misjudged. Consequences range from loss of employment, loss of immigration status, to jail and/or fines. It is important that charges of theft and retail fraud are properly handled and litigated in court to ensure the best results and to prevent any adverse consequences.

Keep the charges off your record

We understand that it is of the upmost importance to keep any retail fraud or theft offense off your criminal record. A theft related conviction leaves a reputation of dishonesty that can discourage employers and educational institutions from associating with you. A retail fraud or theft conviction could change the course of your life. It is important not to allow a one-time mistake invalidate years of hard work and preclude legitimate aspirations in the future. There are several legal strategies to keep a conviction off your record:

Youthful Offender Status – those under the age of 24can and should be provided an opportunity to have the case immediately made non-public and eventually dismissed after satisfactorily completion of a short probationary period.

First offender programs – many jurisdictions and prosecutorial offices will allow a first offender, no matter the age, to engage in programing to keep the offense off their record. Do not assume that this offer will automatically be made because it will not. Harsha Gowda will not only ensure all available programs, but ensure the client is prepared to be eligible to receive said programs. Many require the client to receive certain treatment or previously be engaged with a particular therapy requirement. Every court and jurisdiction is different in this regard, however we know exactly what needs to be done to ensure successful acceptance and completion of every known first offender program.

Often times, those that may not qualify can still be accepted into a first offender program. Harsha Gowda will make sure that every effort is taken to make all qualifying programs available to our clients, even if at first glance, it may seem unavailable. The opportunity to keep someone’s record clean must sometimes be fought hard for. Often times, a favorable result must be achieved no matter the cost and “no” is not an acceptable answer.

Many times, trial and pre-trial litigation is necessary. We do not simply accept the first offer the prosecutor makes, as it is usually not the best one. Sometimes a litigation battle is necessary.

It is important to hire an attorney who knows the jurisdiction, prosecutor preferences, position, tolerances, and which prosecutors and judges will entertain exceptional circumstances which can lead to favorable results.

Why Hire an Attorney?

It is important to know the Court, the Judge, the probation department and their past treatment of similarly situated defendants. It is important to be able to adequately explain and advocate all of the client’s relevant circumstances that can affect the outcome. An attorney should spend as much time as possible to know every relevant and important detail about the client, including his/her education, family, financial circumstance, physical and mental health, professional andpersonal goals and aspirations. It is important to hire a dedicated attorney who knows special and alternative options which are available and helpful to your case. It is important that each client is characterized individually. Each defendant should not be all be treated the same. Whether an accussed is a first-time or repeat offender, this case can be the most significant event in their life. It is critically important that you obtain the best result possible as it could and will have an effect on the rest of your life. Do not trust a court appointed attorney to provide any specialized or individualized assistance. A court appointed attorney will only do what the prosecution wants. They simply do not take the time to fully investigate the whole case. They will not look at videos or LPO reports. They will spend as little time as necessary to finish your case as they have several more to finish. Those with a court appointed attorney will have no one to call for advice, counseling, questions, or assistance. A retail fraud or theft case and its outcome is entirely too important to trust a public defender. As good intentioned as they may be, they simply do not have the time and qualifications to do what ever is necessary to obtain the best result. You may spend three minutes with a lawyer who literally holds your life and future in your hands.

Fees

The cost for to defend a theft case can be as little as $1,000.00. Qualified individuals can be placed on a reasonable payment plan. There is no reason not to request a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, your options, expectations, and fees. Most criminal defense attorneys do not specialize in retail fraud and theft offenses. Harsha Gowda realizes the specific needs that are unique to these types of offenses. We understand that by knowing the specific issues unique to these types of cases, including an understanding and previous experience in area courts with high volumes of retail fraud like Troy, Novi, Canton, and Sterling Heights, we can obtain extraordinary results.

Judges and prosecutors know that when a retail fraud specialist attorney is representing a client, that client will be properly diagnosed, their relevant circumstances evaluated and an appropriate plan for resolution will be presented without the need for incarceration, overly burdensome penalties or unnecessary services, treatments or probationary terms. Harsha Gowda travels all over the State of Michigan to defend these charges. No matter where in Michigan our lawyers will ensure that the best results are obtained in retail fraud and theft related offenses.

Harsha Gowda has dedicated countless hours in leaning the issues, defenses and evidentiary matters specific to retail fraud and theft related cases. He has developed significant relationships with area prosecuting attorneys, judges and counselors to whom he is known as a retail fraud specialist defense attorney. Harsha prides himself on getting results for his clients charged with retail fraud and theft offenses that other attorneys, especially court appointed public defenders, do not obtain. He also has significant experience for theft offense cases and knows how to effectively argue issues to juries, judges and prosecutors with great success. Harsha knows how to educate the court about the issues specific to retail fraud and theft offenses, as well as issues specific to the individual client. His expertise is quickly recognized as reliable and incredibly helpful.