If you have been accused of a crime, a criminal attorney can provide the advice needed to lessen the penalties or even have 
the charges dropped. Depending on the crime you are accused of, you may face a punishment of a minimal fine or years in prison. The legal system is complicated and laws can vary contingent upon location. It is critical that you have someone who is knowledgeable and understands the laws to represent you. The outcome of a legal decision may significantly impact the rest of your life.
Why You Need a Criminal Attorney Prior to Trial
A criminal attorney will explain the legal process and the laws concerning your case. They will inform you of your legal rights and options. If you have been arrested and are detained, the criminal attorney can also convince the court to lower your bail amount or release you with no bail. They can coach you on how to respond when being questioned by the authorities to prevent disclosing any incriminating information. If you are sure that you will be found guilty of the crime you are charged with, you may consider entering into a plea bargain to reduce the charges or decrease your sentence. A criminal attorney can represent you in negotiations with the prosecution.
The criminal attorney will prepare for trial by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. They may hire a private investigator to investigate the crime as well as any witnesses the prosecution plans to call. Any evidence that may refute their testimony will help your case. The criminal attorney will research laws, criminal statutes and past cases that may pertain to your case. They may frequently hire expert witnesses who can provide evidence that will prove your innocence or discredit evidence presented by the prosecution. The criminal attorney must examine all evidence presented during the discovery process and determine if any should be withheld from prosecution. All evidence will be analyzed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case and enable the criminal attorney to formulate a defense strategy. They will provide you information on the ramifications of pleading guilty or not guilty. In addition, the criminal attorney prepares all documentation for:
- Arraignments
- Indictments
- Trials
- Hearings
The Importance of Legal Representation During Trial
During the trial, it is the criminal attorney’s job to strongly defend your case. They are not required to prove your innocence since the law states that you are innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The criminal attorney uses the law to introduce doubt into the prosecution’s case. They will provide opening statements to questioning witnesses as well as closing arguments. Should the outcome not be in your favor, the criminal attorney can help with an appeal.
Criminal attorneys handle all types of cases including DUI, drug offenses, property crimes and assault. No criminal charge is too minor to seek legal representation. The United States Constitution guarantees that all citizens charged with a crime will be provided legal representations. Protect your rights by seeking the assistance of a criminal attorney.