Criminal defense attorneys represent those accused of crimes. These could be misdemeanors or felonies. While penalties range from simple fines to life imprisonment or the death penalty, these professional lawyers play a role in the process. In fact, the U.S. Constitution requires them to appear in court because it promises that all citizens charged with a crime will have legal representation. For those in need of legal representation, it is important to know exactly what these attorneys offer.
What Makes Criminal Defense Lawyers So Important?
Some people think they can understand the law well enough to represent themselves. You have that right under the Constitution if you choose to invoke it. Of course, you may not know the law as well as you think. In this case, self-representation can lead to serious consequences. If you do not adequately represent yourself, you may find yourself having to pay fines or even serve time in prison.
Criminal law is complex. Even the most learned student can forget many details. Each state has its own laws, each with its own unique definitions and penalties for crimes committed. Since most of the laws violated are at the state level, these are the ones that will get the most research.
pre-trial service
The work of criminal defense attorneys begins long before they enter the courtroom. When they are hired determines how much pre-screening work they are able to complete. For example, some people choose to hire lawyers when the police start investigating them. In such cases, the legal representative will be able to assist them during inquiries by the authorities. By being present, they prevent clients from divulging incriminating information.
If you wait until the police charge you, you should get a lawyer. When you go to a judge to plead guilty, a good legal representative can negotiate a lower bail amount, or even waive it entirely, so you can go home and await trial.
In addition to protecting you from turning yourself in to the police and getting bail, your lawyer plays an important role in all pre-trial hearings. Depending on the strength of the case in court, charges may be dropped on your representative. In some cases, they may exclude evidence against you due to procedural inadequacies. Because there must be probable cause for arresting you, your criminal defense attorney may prove that the police did not have that reason.
Before the trial begins, your legal representative interviews potential witnesses, gathers evidence, and organizes the information in a way that best defends you.
trial period
Your criminal defense attorney is invaluable when you go to court. They start by selecting a jury that they think will vote you not guilty. They are constantly working with you to develop the best defense strategy.
As the prosecution presents its case, your attorney continually analyzes the information and identifies strengths and weaknesses in your strategy. They also question witnesses and give opening and closing statements to the court.
If it’s in your best interest, your attorney can negotiate a plea agreement in which you plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lesser sentence. If you lose the case, your legal representative will work with you through the appeal process.
