Facing criminal charges, you are looking at several consequences that will negatively impact your life. More specifically, you will face hefty fines and potentially even the loss of your license or jail time.
To fight charges in the most affordable way possible, many make the mistake of representing themselves. They soon find that it’s an uphill battle — one that is often lost. Contrary to popular belief, the legal process surrounding criminal cases is full of procedures that are not known by the average person.
This makes hiring a criminal defense attorney vital.
If you are facing criminal charges and are on the fence about getting legal counsel, read on. Here are five reasons you need a criminal defense attorney representing you in your case.
1. Understands Legal Procedures
The judicial system is complex. It contains procedures and documents that require prompt and correct filing. Many steps in the legal process also have guidelines that individuals cannot deviate from whether they are aware of them or not. Often, those who choose to fight charges without a lawyer make mistakes and end up paying for these errors.
A criminal defense attorney can guide you throughout your case’s proceedings. Your lawyer takes the guesswork out of filing and hearing dates.
In short, if you represent yourself in your case, you will most likely go through proceedings blind. On the other hand, a criminal defense lawyer steers you in the right direction and towards a positive outcome.
2. Protects Your Rights
Amidst legal proceedings, it’s easy for anyone to be too task-saturated to think of their rights. Doing this is a mistake and can result in a conviction, especially at the hands of the prosecution.
A criminal defense attorney is not just your legal counsel. As your advocate, your attorney can represent you throughout the criminal proceedings. By doing so, your attorney ensures you receive a fair trial by protecting your rights every step of the way.
Your criminal defense attorney can help secure evidence that proves your innocence. Your attorney will also be instrumental in preventing you from uttering anything that can incriminate you during an investigation. Your attorney can also challenge the methods law enforcement applied during your arrest.
3. Understands the Law
People charged with a crime only know the law to be against them. In most cases, this assumption is accurate. However, what most fail to realize is that the law can be for the defense of the defendant. Few people know this better than a criminal defense lawyer.
Criminal defense lawyers are experts in criminal law. Their expertise allows them access to laws they can invoke for your case. By exercising their expertise and knowledge, they can negotiate better sentence terms or even challenge the lawfulness of your charges.
4. Presents You With Several Outcomes and Options
Criminal defense lawyers can foresee a lot of outcomes in a criminal case. Their knowledge of the possible results allows them to guide their clients on the necessary steps to take at every step of the case.
In short, a criminal defense lawyer can present you with the possible outcomes of your case even before your sentencing. By doing this, your lawyer can determine the actions to take toward a more positive result.
5. Negotiates for a More Reasonable Sentence
Following sentencing, your criminal defense attorney can negotiate for a less severe penalty. Your attorney can make arrangements with the prosecution and judge, so you can face a less severe sentence like a fine or community service.
Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal defense attorney can maximize the chances of a positive outcome. Hire an attorney, and you can expect protection of your rights and potentially less-severe penalties. Also, a criminal defense lawyer’s legal knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in the success of your case.
If you’re facing charges or are under investigation for a crime, we’re here and ready to represent you. Reach out to us. Get a lawyer that fights for you and gets you the best possible outcome.
