A local criminal attorney who is familiar with the courts and judges in the area provides his client with a great advantage. This lawyer knows the ins and outs of the local court system, as well as the procedures and styles the judges use. The end result benefits the person fighting their case before the judge.
A great criminal defense attorney specializes in this area of law. Any attorney can represent your case in court, but an attorney who handles criminal matters and who’s devoted his/her practice to that area of law understands it much better than the average attorney. They offer the absolute best representation for a person charged with a crime.
Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.
These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.
Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters. I have been accused of a crime, and I cannot afford a lawyer.