Situations When a Criminal Defense Attorney Could Help

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Criminal defense attorneys are obligated by law to make sure that their clients receive the best possible representation. That means finding weaknesses in the case that can lead to a not guilty verdict. Keep in mind, you need to seek a professional attorney for legal advice regarding any criminal defense. 

They can also help you avoid a trial entirely by convincing the prosecutor to drop charges. Great attorneys have experience finding investigators and expert witnesses that will weaken prosecutors’ case against you. 

1. You’ve been charged with a crime 

A defense attorney is your advocate inside and outside the courtroom. They will work to ensure that you are not convicted of a crime for which you did not commit. 

Often, your lawyer will use their knowledge of the law to negotiate with prosecutors to have charges reduced or dropped completely. This can save you time, money, and put you back on the right track when it comes to finding employment and housing. 

When choosing a criminal defense attorney, make sure they specialize in the field of your charge and that they have experience handling cases similar to yours. It is also helpful to ask potential lawyers about the types of results they have obtained for their clients in the past. 

Lastly, it is important to find an attorney who is communicative. A good defense lawyer will respond to your calls quickly and will be there for you every step of the way through this difficult process. 

2. You’re being investigated for a crime 

The first major sign that you’re being investigated for a crime is receiving a call or card left at your home or work from law enforcement investigators. If you are being contacted by law enforcement investigators, you should immediately consult with a criminal defense attorney. 

Law enforcement investigators are looking for probable cause to arrest you and bring criminal charges against you before a judge or jury. They will investigate alleged crimes, interview witnesses, and gather physical evidence. It can take some time to complete a criminal investigation. 

A good criminal defense attorney in Harrisburg will be able to tell you how a case might proceed and what options are available. For example, your criminal attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain for you that includes community service and drug treatment instead of prison time. This will save you money and jail time in the long run. A criminal defense attorney will also have a good understanding of your local prosecuting attorneys and judges. 

3. You’re being charged with a crime

A criminal defense attorney could help if you’re being charged with a crime. They can make sure that you are not questioned without your attorney present, and that any statements you make cannot be used against you in court. A good defense attorney could also investigate the case and build a strong defense for you. 

They can also help you with any legal paperwork that needs to be filed in the course of the case. Mistakes with paperwork can have serious consequences for your case, and a defense attorney will ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly. 

A criminal defense attorney could also negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your bail or even get the charges dropped altogether. It takes a skillful and experienced attorney to undergo these kinds of negotiations, so having one on your side is essential. You can determine whether an attorney is right for you by looking at their website and seeing what fields they have experience in. 

4. You’re being charged with a crime 

If you can’t afford a private attorney, the court may appoint one for you. They’ll work on your behalf throughout all points of the criminal investigation and trial proceedings. 

Their first job is to learn about you and your story from the beginning of the case. They’ll take your instructions and goals into consideration and work diligently to achieve them. 

A seasoned defense attorney will also be able to check for any technical issues in the complaint or indictment. This will help you avoid problems such as double jeopardy, whereby a prosecutor could bring the same charges against you again. 

They can also negotiate with prosecutors to lower your bail or even have the bond waived altogether. This is very helpful when it comes to avoiding jail time as you await your trial date. They’ll also handle all the associated paperwork. This is important because the law has many strict deadlines that can be missed if not handled properly.