why do i need a criminal lawyer

When you think about witness statement and evidence, you will need a criminal lawyer to save you from the prosecutor. A criminal attorney can procure critical statements and evidence to build a strong case. Witness often fears for safety if speaking openly, but your criminal lawyer can decrease their fear.

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What are some pros and cons for criminal lawyers?

Jul 02, 2020 · July 2, 2020. Criminal Defense. If you have been arrested you may be facing a criminal investigation, criminal charges, sentencing, and appeals. This means that either a police officer, a federal agent, or a judge believe probable cause exists that you have committed a crime. At this point, you should get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer to help you with their own …

What are the duties of a criminal attorney?

A criminal defense attorney is either hired or assigned to your case. Allowing them to take care of the paperwork and other details removes a considerable burden as you trust someone who knows the ins and outs of criminal proceedings. You need a criminal defense attorney if you are facing criminal charges.

What is the job description of a criminal lawyer?

Jan 25, 2022 · Any facts related to your case that would lessen the severity of the crime or the need for punishment. Why do you need a criminal defense lawyer if you intend to plead guilty? A thorough investigation and presentation of mitigating circumstances to the prosecutor could result in reduced charges, pretrial diversion, or even a dismissal of your case.

Who are the top rated criminal law lawyers?

Nov 19, 2019 · A professional criminal defense lawyer can help you to formulate a strategy for your case and keep you aware of your rights. Hiring legal services if you have been accused of a crime is essential to keeping your case organized, making sure you are aware of your rights, provide an education voice in the courtroom.

The Importance of Mitigation

You should not decide to plead guilty before you have met with your criminal defense lawyer, and they have had the opportunity to investigate your case – both an independent investigation and a review of the state’s evidence against you.

You May Have Defenses You Are Unaware Of

You might think that you are guilty, and, therefore, you must accept your punishment and move on with your life (even if that means living in prison for a while). But, what if you’re not guilty?

Walk You Through the Process

The court system can be challenging to understand. There are many steps involved when it comes to court cases, which can also often be very time consuming. Going at it alone can prove to be distressing. A professional criminal defense lawyer can help to walk you through the entire process. Any questions you have can be directed to your lawyer.

Communicate with Other Parties

If there were other parties involved in your case, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you on your rights when it comes to speaking with them. Your lawyer will help you to understand the best course of action when it comes to communicating with the other party.

Help You Stay Organized

While court cases can be long and confusing, so can the paper trails associated with them. Cases often have strict deadlines when it comes to filling out paperwork and sending in proper materials. Missing these deadlines can lead to severe penalties and fines, which can prolong your case even longer.

They Can Advise You on Possible Outcomes

When it comes to court cases, it is always important to prepare for multiple different outcomes. Preparing for your future is always one of the top priorities when it comes to communicating with a criminal defense lawyer. They will help you to become educated on the possible outcomes of your case, while formulating the best strategy.

When Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You may be wondering when you need to have a criminal defense lawyer. A defense attorney is a professional who defends someone who has been accused of a crime. Those who are convicted of misdemeanors and felonies can face heavy punishments. These include being charged with a sex crime and drug possession.

Even If You Are Not Guilty, You Should Still Have an Attorney in Your Corner

It’s simply amazing how many people believe that if you’re not guilty of a crime you don’t need the help of a good criminal defense lawyer. It seems like every day the news is filled with stories about people who spent long periods of time in prison for crimes they did not commit.

Howard A. Kurtz, Partner

The question is why you should hire a lawyer if you aren’t guilty. Many people believe that if they didn’t do anything wrong, even if they’re charged with a crime, they don’t need a lawyer. This belief springs from the notion that the truth will come out.

Seth A. Blum, Partner

Anyone who has watched the news for the past several years has seen a string of innocent people released from prison after they were convicted for crimes they did not commit. Greg Taylor, Darryl Hunt, Alan Gell… These are but a few examples. These are men who were convicted of murder.

Do You Need a Good Lawyer Even if You Are Guilty?

Whether or not you believe you are guilty of a crime, you will likely benefit from an experienced criminal defense lawyer helping you. The justice system is quite complicated and trying to navigate it alone can be like trying to find your way through a maze.

Seth A. Blum, Partner

The question is why should you hire a lawyer if you believe that you are guilty. First, it is the State’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Just because you are guilty does not mean the State is capable of proving it.

Howard A. Kurtz, Partner

Assuming for the moment that you are guilty of a crime and that the State can prove it, do you need a lawyer then? Again the answer is that you should have an attorney by your side. There is frequently a great deal of discretion that a prosecutor has when they’re making a decision about what to do in a particular case.

What skills do criminal lawyers need?

As with any legal professional, criminal lawyers need to have solid critical thinking, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. The ability to analyze complex information is also a must, as is the ability to deal with potentially disturbing situations, such as discussing or viewing evidence related to a violent crime.

Is criminal law hard?

Criminal law is tough—but if you’re willing to rise to the challenge, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more exciting, diverse, or thought-provoking legal career. From what criminal law entails to what you’ll study in law school to the skills you’ll need to practice in the real world, keep reading for expert insights into what it takes ...

Why should I hire an attorney?

Below are the top ten reasons to hire an attorney. 1. The Law is Complicated. If you're not a lawyer you probably have no business acting like one in certain instances. Even experienced lawyers typically do not represent themselves in court. Also, attorneys tend to specialize in one or more legal practice areas, such as criminal defense or tax law.

What do attorneys depend on?

Attorneys depend on an extended network of professionals to help their clients ' cases. Most non-attorneys don't personally know the types of professionals who can help with discovery or challenge evidence or testimony by the opposing party.

What is at stake in a civil case?

What's at stake? A criminal case may determine whether or not you spend time behind bars, while a civil case could hurt you financially. Besides, there are many civil attorneys who don't actually collect a dime from you unless they win your case. Also, you may be able to claim legal fees as a plaintiff in a civil case, so hiring a lawyer can actually save or make you money.

What happens if you don't have an attorney?

If you're not an attorney, you may struggle with the deadlines and protocol for properly filling out and filing certain legal documents. One late or incorrect filing could derail your case, delay a given legal procedure or worse - have the case thrown out altogether (and not in your favor).

Is it better to plead guilty or admit fault?

Pleading guilty or admitting fault isn't the only choice, even if there's evidence pointing directly at you. When you hire a lawyer, they can explain all of your options and can help you avoid potentially severe penalties even before a trial begins. 7. It's Always Better to Avoid Problems Rather Than Fix Them Later.

Can I have a free consultation with a lawyer?

Since many attorneys will meet with you for free during a face-to-face consultation, there is really no harm in talking with one. Not only will a free consultation give you an idea of the type of case you have and its likely outcome, it will help you decide whether you actually need to hire a lawyer.

What is the disadvantage of being a non-adversarial?

Non-attorneys are generally at a disadvantage when squaring off against opposing counsel or doing business with another party that has legal counsel. As explained above, the law is complicated and an attorney representing your adversary (or even a non-adversarial party entering into a legal agreement with you) will take advantage of this inequity.

Who handles the prosecution of a crime?

The prosecution is handled by lawyers employed by the governmental entity, and the defense is handled by either a publicly appointed defender or a private defense attorney whom the defendant pays. In criminal law, there are misdemeanors (small offenses) and felonies (more serious crimes).

What is civil law?

Civil law also covers legal agreements, real estate transactions, divorces, child custody, and other matters where legal paperwork is necessary to protect all parties involved. Criminal Law: This area of law relates to offenses that break the laws of a local, state, or federal governments.

What are the two legal categories?

Two Legal Categories – A Short Explanation 1 Civil Law: This area of law covers all legal issues that do not involve criminal activity or breaking the law. Generally, one party sues another because they have been “wronged” in some way and want some type of compensation for that “wrong.” Civil law also covers legal agreements, real estate transactions, divorces, child custody, and other matters where legal paperwork is necessary to protect all parties involved. 2 Criminal Law: This area of law relates to offenses that break the laws of a local, state, or federal governments. The prosecution is handled by lawyers employed by the governmental entity, and the defense is handled by either a publicly appointed defender or a private defense attorney whom the defendant pays. In criminal law, there are misdemeanors (small offenses) and felonies (more serious crimes).

What is a complex divorce?

1. A Complex or Nasty Divorce. When couples mutually agree on all of the details of a split, there is no real need for a lawyer. When, however, there are issues of property, investments, savings, support, debt, and child custody arrangements, only a fool neglects getting legal representation.

Is a traffic ticket a legal matter?

A traffic ticket is a legal matter. So is armed robbery. Obviously, the “accused” in both of these instances have very different situations and only one will need a lawyer to hand their defense. In between these two extremes, however, are a myriad of legal matters which may or may not require legal representation.

What happens if you are sued?

Law Suits. If you are being sued and the consequences of a loss may result in the loss of a good deal of money or property, you need a lawyer. Again, the other side has a lawyer, so you need to get one too. Most of these things are settled out of court, but you want an experienced negotiator on your side. 4.

Can you go to court for DUI?

A good lawyer can meet with the prosecutor and get the charges reduced, especially if this is your first offense. Never go to court on a DUI charge without a lawyer — unless you are willing to accept the maximum penalty.