One of the first questions posed to individuals facing criminal charges is whether or not they should hire a criminal defense attorney. The obvious downside is the potential costs and fees associated with hiring a lawyer. However, in many cases, the monetary fees of a criminal defense attorney are minimal compared to the life-altering costs that can result from not having the best possible defense. If you or someone you know has been arrested and is facing criminal charges, here are 5 reasons why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is important.
1. They understand the judicial system
The legal system can be confusing, even for people who work in it every day, but an experienced defense lawyer knows the intricate workings of the court systems and can help guide you through the process based on your individual case.
2. They have dealt with cases similar to yours before
Not all attorneys are built the same. While all attorneys passed law school and the state bar to practice in the jurisdiction, different attorneys have different specialties. An experienced criminal defense attorney has dealt specifically with cases relating to criminal charges. They have experience in handling cases that may be nearly identical to yours. They know what they need to do to provide our clients with the best outcome for their respective case.
3. They can protect your future
An experienced criminal defense attorney can fight for you and your future. A good attorney may be able to get your charges reduced, your penalties lessened, or even get your case dismissed due to police errors while illegally obtaining evidence against you. By reducing your charges, they can keep a felony off your criminal record and keep you from jeopardizing your career. By reducing your possible penalties, they can keep you from jail and help you avoid losing your job. By getting your case dismissed they can save you from any negative impact that a criminal conviction could have had on your life.
4. They can assess law enforcements conduct
Criminal defense lawyers spend years learning the nuances of proper procedures and identifying the blind spots and loopholes. They know what police officers are allowed to do when investigating a client, and can look at every possible means by which the officers may have infringed upon the rights of the accused. If the evidence gathering was improper, the lawyer can get the evidence thrown out of your case and this can often lead to dismissals.
5. They can advise you on the possible outcomes
Criminal defense attorneys know the possible penalties you will face. They can advise you on what can happen if you are convicted and can advise you on the steps you should take in your specific case. They will let you know when it is in your best interest to take a plea deal from prosecutors or when you should battle the criminal charges in court.
The Law Office of Joseph Cerino has experience in defending clients facing criminal charges. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, give us a call at (239) 561-2820 for a confidential consultation on your case.
