A criminal defense attorney is there to represent those accused of committing crimes. These can be misdemeanors or felonies. Although the punishment ranges from a simple fine to life imprisonment or the death penalty, these specialized lawyers intervene in the process. In fact, the Constitution of the United States requires your presence in the courtroom, as it promises that all citizens charged with a crime will have legal representation. For those who need legal representation, it is important to understand exactly what services these attorneys provide.
What Makes a Criminal Defense Attorney So Important?
There are those who think they can understand the law well enough to represent themselves. Under the constitution, you have that right if you choose to invoke it. Of course, you may not understand the laws as well as you think. In which case, self-representation can have serious consequences. You could have to pay fines or even serve jail time if you don’t represent yourself properly.
Criminal law is complex. Many minute details can be lost even in the most educated student. Each state has its own laws, each with its own unique definition and punishment for crimes committed. Since most of the laws that are broken are at the state level, these are the ones that require the most study.
Before testing services
The job of a criminal defense attorney begins long before they enter the courtroom. When they are hired dictates exactly how much pre-trial work they can do. For example, some people choose to hire a lawyer as soon as the police start investigating them. In this case, the legal representative may assist them during the questioning by the authorities. By being present, they prevent their client from divulging incriminating information.
If you wait until the police charge you, you should seek a lawyer. When you appear in court to find your guilty plea, a good legal representative can negotiate the amount charged for a lower lease or even have it waived entirely so that you can go home to await trial.
In addition to protecting you from incriminating yourself in front of the police and releasing you on bail, your attorney is critical in all pre-trial hearings. Depending on the strength of the court case, your representative may be able to have the charges dropped. In some cases, they may exclude evidence against you due to improper procedure. Because there has to be probable cause to arrest you, your criminal defense attorney can prove that the police did not have this cause.
Before the trial begins, your legal representative interviews potential witnesses, gathers evidence, and organizes the information in a way that offers you the best defense.
During trial services
When you go to trial, your criminal defense attorney is invaluable. They begin by selecting a jury who, in their opinion, will vote in favor of his innocence. They continually work with you to develop the best defense strategy.
As the prosecution presents your case, your attorney continually analyzes the information and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of your strategy. They also question witnesses and provide opening and closing statements to the court.
If it is in your best interest, your attorney can negotiate plea agreements, in which you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. If you lose your case, your legal representative will work with you to navigate the appeals process.
