When people are accused of a crime, they face the possibility of going to
jail. When faced with criminal charges, trying to find the right lawyer,
quickly, may feel overwhelming.
People who have been recently arrested need to talk to a criminal defense
lawyer as soon as possible. The most urgent priority is often getting a
lawyer to help arrange release and provide some information about what's to come
in the days ahead.
Criminal defense lawyers do so much more than simply question witnesses in
court. Criminal defense lawyers will:
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Provide defendants with a reality check, a knowledgeable, objective
perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their
case go to trial. This perspective is vital for defendants trying to decide
whether to accept a prosecutor's offered "plea bargain".
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Be familiar with important criminal law rules that may be hidden away in
court interpretations of federal and state constitutions.
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Be familiar with local court customs and procedures that aren't written down
anywhere (for example, a defense lawyer may know which prosecutor has the
"real" authority to settle a case, and what kinds of arguments are likely to
appeal to that prosecutor). |
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Negotiate with prosecutors, often arranging for reduced charges and lesser
sentencing. |
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Formulate sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs, often
helping defendants avoid future brushes with the criminal justice system.
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Understand the possible "hidden costs" of pleading guilty which a
self-represented person might never think about.
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Spend crucial time on your case. |
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Gather information from prosecution witnesses. |
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Hire and manage investigators, who may be able to believably impeach
(contradict) prosecution witnesses who embellish or change their stories at
trial. |
