A criminal defense attorney is there to represent those accused of committing crimes. These can be misdemeanors or felonies. While the punishment ranges from a simple fine to life in prison or a death sentence, these specialized attorneys play a role in the process. In fact, the United States Constitution requires your presence inside the courtroom as it promises that every citizen charged with a crime will have legal representation. For those who need legal representation, it is important to understand exactly what services these attorneys perform.
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 lead to serious consequences. You could have to pay fines or even serve jail sentences if you don’t represent yourself properly.
Criminal law is complex. Many minute details can be lost on even the most learned student. Each state has its own laws, each with its own definition and punishment for crimes committed. Since most of the laws violated are at the state level, these will be the ones that will be studied the most.
Before trial services
The work of a criminal defense attorney begins long before he enters the courtroom. When they are hired, he 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 instance, the legal representative may assist them during the interrogation by the authorities. By being present, they prevent their client from revealing incriminating information.
If you wait until the police charge you, you should find a lawyer. When you go to court to enter your guilty plea, a good legal representative can negotiate a lower bail amount or even have you waived entirely so you can go home to await trial.
In addition to protecting you from incriminating yourself to the police and getting you out on bail, your attorney is essential at all pre-trial hearings. Depending on the strength of the case in court, his representative may be able to get 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 probable 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 going to trial, your criminal defense attorney is invaluable. They begin by selecting a jury who they believe will vote for their 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 in court.
If it is in your best interest, your attorney can negotiate plea deals, 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 appeal process.