A Criminal Lawyer Can Protect You From Wrongful Conviction
If you are facing criminal charges of any kind, it is essential that you hire knowledgeable and experienced legal representation to protect your rights. The attorney you choose is instrumental in determining the outcome of your case. It does not matter if you face misdemeanor or felony charges, having proper legal representation is the best way to protect your record from the consequences of a criminal conviction.
If you are convicted of a crime, it could affect just about every aspect of your life: school applications, employment status, and even where you are able to live. Hiring a professional law firm that comes with skilled and experienced lawyers and counselors is the best way to improve the outcome of your case or any other legal matter you may be facing.
If you are still deciding whether or not to hire a criminal lawyer to represent your case, understand the following three ways they can help you.
Evaluation
The first thing your criminal lawyer will do when they take on your case is to evaluate it. This will consist of a thorough reading and assessment of the charges that have been filed against you in addition to your lawyer investigating the evidence that the prosecutor plans to use during your trial. Your attorney will also interview you and various witnesses on your behalf, in order to get a thorough assessment of your side of the case.
Advice
Your lawyer will provide you with information on options available to you in your case. The type of options usually open to you at this time include filing pre-trial motions in order quash or exclude evidence in order to get a dismissal of some or all of the charges, accepting a plea agreement, or proceeding to trial before a jury or judge. Your criminal lawyer will recommend which option he or she feels will be in your best interest. The next step will involve you and your attorney deciding on which option to pursue.
Protection
Your lawyer is there to protect you throughout your case, which may include protecting you from receiving additional charges filed against you and preventing you from speaking to the cops and unintentionally incriminating yourself.
A criminal lawyer also has other responsibilities as they relate to your case, which include negotiating to get your charges reduced or dismissed, representing your interests before, during, and after court, and much more. During such a vulnerable and important time in your life, it’s important to make sure that you get all the help you need in order to secure the best outcome.
