- Child AbuseIt's important for you to understand the seriousness of the charges that have been brought against you, the consequences of a conviction, and the possible defenses to the charges. Shortly after a person is arrested, a judge or magistrate will explain the maximum jail sentence and the maximum fine. You probably will not be told about other possibilities, such as: the loss of driving privileges, the loss of the right to own or possess a firearm or deadly weapon, loss of employment opportunities in certain professions, registration under a sex offender or child abuse registry, required completion of certain treatment programs, and restrictions in travel and association with others. In today’s day and age, any criminal conviction can have devastating financial and social consequences. If you choose to represent yourself, know that you are on an uneven playing field and at a distinct disadvantage. It's unlikely that the average person could represent himself or herself effectively in court against an experienced police officer or prosecutor. On the other hand, if I think the case is simple and straightforward, I’ll tell you as much.
- Criminal DefenseWhen you’ve been arrested, or are suspected of a crime, you need to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- DUI/DWIIn Delaware, you may be arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if you are driving, operating or in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (even if prescribed). A chemical test (or intoxilyzer) indicating a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08% or greater, or the presence of any drug, prescription or illegal, is sufficient for a DUI arrest and conviction. It is still possible however to be arrested for DUI with a BAC of below.08.
- Traffic ViolationsDealing with traffic offenses can lead to missed work, stiff fines, lost driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and even prison time for repeat offenders. If you've been charged with a serious traffic violation, treat it with the seriousness it deserves and contact an experienced traffic law attorney at once.
- Sex CrimesProbably more than any other criminal charge, the mere accusation of a sex crime can irreparably harm a person's reputation, family life and employment. False accusations do occur, and they can have a devastating emotional impact. Of all crimes, sexual offenses are among the most vigorously prosecuted by law enforcement, and Delaware's sex crime laws are as strict as any in the country.
- FraudWhite Collar Crime includes a wide variety of non-violent offenses including bank and wire fraud, theft, embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, falsifying business records, computer crimes and conspiracy. Many times, these cases are widely publicized because of the amount of money at stake or the suspect’s standing in society.
- Robbery"Gun crimes are among the most serious in the books, and convictions often carry mandatory jail sentences. In addition, many people arrested for crimes involving a firearm are often charged with other crimes, including drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, robbery, sex crimes and murder. Because so much is at stake, having an experienced, aggressive attorney on your side can make all the difference. I understand the state and federal laws, rules and procedures that apply when a client is charged with firearms and other weapons offenses. I have the experience and the resources to fully investigate and zealously defend these charges. I’ll make sure that your constitutional rights are protected, and my legal team will do everything possible to ensure the best possible resolution of your case."
- Burglary
- White Collar CrimesI have the skills, experience, and education to provide effective defense in white collar crime cases. In some past cases, I have prevented criminal charges from being filed in the first place. In other cases, I have either won acquittals following trials or I have successfully negotiated favorable resolutions, including a dismissal or substantial reduction of charges in exchange for restitution. In the worst case scenarios, I have arranged for my clients to surrender themselves, rather than being arrested at home or work, and I have negotiated favorable bail terms.”
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsIf you are convicted of a misdemeanor, either by a guilty plea or a verdict following a trial, the court may impose a period of incarceration up to one year, probation, “no contact” orders, a fine, restitution, community service, and mental health and/or substance abuse treatment programs, etc.
- Embezzlement
- Drug CrimesDid the police confiscate a significant amount of cash in your possession even though you were never charged with a drug crime (or any crime at all)? In some cases, the government seeks forfeiture of your money under the asset forfeiture law as “drug money” even though no drugs were found.
- AssaultDue to the severity of these consequences, it is imperative that the circumstances surrounding the assault charges be thoroughly investigated. Did you act in self-defense? Were you defending others? Were you defending your property? Did you sustain injuries? Did you start the initial argument? Was the conduct either voluntary or “mutual” combat? Did you call the police to report the crime? Were you properly disciplining a child?
- MurderJohn Deckers is an experienced trial attorney. John’s entire legal career has been comprised of trial-practice in both state and federal courts. Upon graduating from law school in 1992, John secured a position as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware. During his career as a state prosecutor, John aggressively and successfully litigated the spectrum of criminal cases ranging from juvenile acts of delinquency to first degree capital murder. John also served as the Director of Delaware’s Drug Asset Seizure Unit, and he was a frequent lecturer at police academies and continuing education seminars for prosecutors and police officers.
- HomicideMurder, attempted murder, and homicide are among the most serious criminal accusations in Delaware, and those types of cases generate widespread reaction and public opinion. For any one of these charges, a person's liberty and reputation are jeopardized.
- Forgery
- Money Laundering
- Manslaughter"No other case can compare to the defense of a client charged with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter or homicide. Handling these cases requires not only skill and experience, but the ability to separate the emotional issues from the factual and legal issues."
- Internet CrimesOne of the most aggressive areas of nationwide criminal investigation involves internet sex crimes. Downloading, possessing, producing and sharing child pornography are all illegal, and those acts are zealously investigated and prosecuted on both the state and federal levels. Delaware, for example, has created a specific task force comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement agents who look for people to arrest.
- Prostitution
- Hit and Run
- Sexual Harassment
- Tax Law