What To Expect From Your Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a crime, you could be facing some serious penalties which include time behind bars. And you’ll need to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer behind your back who will fight for your rights and your freedom. When faced with prison time and extensive penalties for a criminal charge, you’re going to be wondering what your options are for a defender. You could qualify for a public defender, or you could opt to hire your own criminal defense lawyer, who will often be able to give you more options and personal attention to your case. Even if your criminal charges are minor and you don’t have a record, it’s almost always in your best interest to hire an experienced professional to defend you in your case.

No two cases are the same. In order to give yourself the best chance of removing or reducing your charges, you’ll need to hire a lawyer who is specialized in criminal defense, and one who has experience working with cases like yours. Your lawyer will be better able to spot specific arguments and factors that could mitigate or negate your potential crime.

How Can A Defense lawyer Help Me?

A professional criminal defense lawyer will call witnesses in your defense and cross examine those witnesses that the prosecution puts forward. However, there are a number of other important roles that your lawyer will play, both in and out of the courtroom.

If you are eligible for any plea bargains, your lawyer can help you to negotiate those and help you to decide if it is in your best interest to take the plea bargain. These plea deals can reduce your potential sentence or remove some of the charges against you, however, many prosecutors will not offer such bargains to those who choose to represent themselves. Your criminal defense lawyer will also figure out a good sentencing program for your specific situation. Even if you are found guilty, your lawyer can sometimes negotiate your sentence in order to prevent you from entering back into the criminal justice system. If you are found guilty of a drug related crime or dui, for instance, there are certain situations where your DUI lawyer will be able to reduce your sentence. For instance, rather than spending 10 months in jail, your lawyer may suggest that you spend 6 months in jail with an additional four months in a drug treatment facility. This not only means a reduction of your time behind bars, but a rehabilitation for the problem that landed you in jail in the first place.

Because your lawyer is able to detach themselves personally from each case, they are better able to help their clients with the emotions that accompany their trial and sentencing. Defendants in criminal cases often are depressed, embarrassed, and fearful; conditions that are only exacerbated by poor or no legal defense. Your lawyer will also give you a reality check. One of the reasons that you shouldn’t represent yourself is that lawyers will know more about what is going on in a criminal trial than you will. Your lawyer will also have the advantage of remaining objective throughout the proceeding, allowing them to offer insights into how well the trial is actually going, and what is likely to happen in upcoming aspects of your case. These small reality checks are essential when you are deciding whether or not to take a plea bargain.

There are a ton of legal rules and regulations that you would likely never find. There are a number of rules and laws about criminal prosecutions that are buried within other regulations and laws. If you were to represent yourself, you’ll never know if a police search conducted in your home was lawful or not, without being able to understand the nuances and intricacies surrounding the fourth amendment. In addition, you may find it next to impossible to to navigate the state legal system on your own. In additional to local court rules, there are a number of unwritten rules that go with jurisdiction. This can become imperative if only certain prosecutors are able to make and approve plea bargains. Your criminal defense lawyer can save you time and money by talking to the right person the first time around.

There are also some hidden costs with pleading guilty. Many of the individuals who choose to represent themselves never stop to think about the consequences of pleading guilty, if it leads to a shorter amount of jail time. One of the most common hidden costs is that, if you plead guilty, you may have a hard time finding a job once your sentence has been completed. Another problem that individuals who represent themselves run into is that they find it impossible to gather evidence and statements from witnesses. Understandably, many witnesses will refuse to give statements or information to those who have been allegedly involved in a crime. These same witnesses are generally much more willing to talk with an experienced lawyer.

You Won’t Find The Answers In A Book

Many of those who choose to represent themselves take to reading books about crimes, punishments, and defenses, hoping that it will lead them to victory in their case. There is a world of difference between reading about the law and practicing the same law in court, as any experienced lawyer would be able to attest to. The key to succeeding in a courtroom is understanding the current and subtleties of a criminal trial. While you still may not be able to win your case, you’ll have a better chance with a professional lawyer by your side. For instance, the decision of what to charge a criminal with can mean the difference in how the case was handled. A crime may appear simple on paper, but it could be cast as either a multiple count indictment or a misdemeanor. Even if you are still adamant about representing yourself, you should still highly consider keeping a criminal defense lawyer on retainer in order to coach you through the legal minefields.

Free Case Reviews & Consultations

A great criminal defense lawyer is going to give you your best chance at winning your case, or at least obtaining a more favorable plea bargain. In fact, most criminal defense lawyers offer free consultations and case reviews so that you can see if they are a good fit for you and your case, and to get an idea of where you might stand in the legal system. No matter what type of representation you choose for your case, it is highly important that you begin seeking legal representation immediately. Waiting to hire a professional criminal defense lawyer could be the difference between your freedom and time spent behind bars. Call Matthew Gould to get legal representation today.