Are you wondering if you need a criminal defense lawyer on retainer?
If you’re squeaky clean, you might be wondering why you need a criminal defense lawyer at all? Failing to present your case properly could land an innocent party with a guilty verdict.
Read on for 9 reasons for why you need a criminal defense lawyer so you don’t get caught out.
1. Provides Emotional Help
Your criminal defense lawyer isn’t a therapist. But they can help you deal with the emotional roller-coaster of a criminal trial. They will explain the realities of the legal system in easy to understand terms. They’ll also prepare you for what you’ll be up against.
They will be well versed in the local system and can explain court rules and the best way to navigate through them. There’s also “unwritten rules” they’re are aware of to get reduced sentences.
2. Follows the Right Court Procedures
With a good criminal lawyer having your back, you won’t have to compromise your defense. You might not realize how much paperwork you’ll need to do to prepare your own defense. Your lawyer will know this like the back of their hand and follow due process.
Most criminal cases have to stick to strict deadlines. The sheer amount of legal procedure is consuming and affect your daily responsibilities. If the prosecution knows they’re up against an experienced legal, there’s more chance of a plea bargain.
3. Better Examination of Evidence
Your prosecution will have experts looking at the evidence against you. It’s important you have an expert too.
An expert criminal lawyer can spot the evidence against you that may be illegal. They all know how to handle witnesses who might exaggerate or stretch the truth.
Moreover, when you hire a defense lawyer from a firm, you’ll get an entire defense team. So, make use of their connections to expert witnesses, private investigators, and more. These connections could make or break your case.
4. Knows All the Tactics
A big part of winning a battle is knowing who your opponents are. It’s also best to know how the battlefield is set out. In criminal law, it’s key to know who the big players in your case are like the judges and prosecution team.
If you’re not clued in on who’s who, you could appear to be an easy target. Experienced criminal lawyers will interact daily with these people.
They’ll know how they operate, what works best for them, and what they hate. This knowledge lets your lawyer set up a strategy best designed to win for you.
5. Protects You Against Heavy Penalties
The prosecution is your biggest enemy, they’ll want to come down hard so you lose or give up. It’s their goal to crush you and add you to their ‘win list’.
If you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit, it’s distressing to receive a penalty. Your criminal lawyer will shield you against harsh prosecutors.
They can help you avoid these heavy penalties and prove your innocence. If you’re found guilty (even if you’re innocent) they will ensure a fair penalty like a reduced sentence or fine.
6. Gives Best Resources to Handle Your Case
Criminal lawyers have the resources and the staff to be effective in handling the cases they take on. It’s not all about the court appearance and arguing your case.
You need to gather evidence, witness statements, and go through them with a fine-tooth comb. They need to put this all together to form a winning strategy, and a back up if plan A fails.
Experienced lawyers know how to access court resources too. For example, you may have the right to a court-appointed private investigator. Or there may be court funds you’re entitled to for expert witnesses.
7. Saves You Money and Time
Filing legal paperwork and following up on your case takes time…and money. Time and money that could be better spent on your family, or continuing to hold down your job.
Defense lawyers are efficient because they know the process inside and out. They also know where they can speed things up and save time. Or they can spot potential issues before they happen and nip it in the bud before disaster strikes.
Having a criminal defense lawyer will save you money in the long-run too. Most restitution end up disputed successfully. The criminal defense lawyer cost will almost always pay for itself in saved money.
You won’t have to miss many workdays, and they’ll pre-empt any fees like fines and court costs. And if the court finds you guilty, they’ll negotiate a lower fine so your finances aren’t put in jeopardy.
8. Provides a Breakdown of All Settlement Options
Your criminal lawyer will help you weigh up your options for settlement. From the specifics of your charges to the plea deal options, they’ll know what your best options are.
They’ll also know if they’ll likely succeed in getting the case dismissed. Or reducing your charges.
If a deal is on the table, and the alternative is to go to court they can give advice on the best option. They know when to go to court or when it’s better to walk away with the deal.
9. Give Your Case Personalized Attention
If you’re faced with criminal charges, it can be a lonely time. You may feel like the world is against you. You might not even want to share your case details with close friends or relatives.
It’ll be too overwhelming to go alone and you could end up serving more jail time than you need to. Or paying higher fees. Alone, you’re more likely you are to make mistakes. Missed hearings and incorrect paperwork are common.
A quality criminal lawyer provides an outlet for you to discuss your case in a safe space. Any fears you might have, or insecurities, you can lay it on the table.
Even if your case feels like the end of the world, chances are your lawyer has seen something similar. They’ll put all their experience and knowledge together to tailor personalized defense package.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Made Easy
So there you have it! You now know why you need a criminal defense lawyer.
Even if you’re squeaky clean and above board now, you never know what the future may hold. Having a criminal defense lawyer on retainer prevents any nasty surprises. A criminal defense lawyer is the best chance you’ll have at clearing your name and getting back to normal.
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