For many people, facing a criminal charge—or merely being investigated or accused of a crime—is one of the most significant events in a person’s life. A conviction as a result of facing formal criminal charges will likely change a person’s life in one way or another. Most directly, a conviction could result in the issuance of a monetary fine, a term of probation, a term of incarceration, required registration as a sex offender, or other specific sentences including a felony and/or misdemeanor on your criminal record and background check. Indirectly however, a conviction following criminal charges may also result in loss of employment, loss of a professional license, loss of temporary custody of children, or the inability to obtain an education. With potential significant consequences of a criminal conviction at stake, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney with jury trial experience by your side to ensure the best possible outcome for you and those who depend on you.
Why is it important to hire a criminal defense attorney?
Not only are the possible direct and indirect consequences of a criminal conviction daunting, but the American legal system can be complicated and difficult to navigate without legal training or knowledge on the specific laws that apply to your case. Criminal defense also requires an understanding of the judicial and prosecutorial processes. Finally, criminal defense may often involve a jury trial. If your case goes all the way to a jury trial, it is critical to have not only a criminal defense attorney, but one with a known track record for putting up a strong defense in a jury trials. The process to become a criminal defense lawyer is long because the law is complicated and varies from state to state, even county to county. A criminal defense attorney proficient in both the law of your case and familiar with the procedural nuances of the county you are facing charges in will set you up for the best possible outcome.
Obtaining legal representation to help you defend against criminal charges can help give you peace of mind in knowing that every facet of your case is being thoroughly investigated. A criminal defense attorney will ensure that strong parts of your case are being asserted and that weak parts of the State’s case are being challenged within the confines of the law. An experienced criminal defense attorney will advocate on your behalf for the best outcome at all steps of your case. Advocacy comes in many forms—whether that be arguing on your behalf at an evidentiary hearing, communicating mitigating factors specific to your life in exchange for a better plea offer, or obtaining the assistance of experts whose expertise and professional opinions can support your defense.
What should you look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney?
When looking for a criminal defense attorney to represent you against criminal charges, it is essential that you find someone you trust and that you are comfortable with. To properly defend criminal charges, criminal defense lawyers often need to know many intimate details about a person’s life, habits, and relationships. A person who feels uncomfortable with their criminal defense attorney will likely be unable to assist in their defense.
While it is certainly important to find a criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable about the law, it is equally important to find an attorney who is experienced handling matters similar to yours with success. Not only will they know what arguments to make on your behalf, they will also know what arguments are likely to be unsuccessful. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to provide you with realistic advice—good or bad—given the specific circumstances of your case. You should seek to find a criminal defense attorney who will communicate with you honestly. Ask your prospective attorney to give you specific information about his or her jury trial experience and results in other cases similar to yours that your prospective attorney has handled.
Finally, you should find a criminal defense attorney who understands the value of communication. A criminal defense attorney who does so will keep you well informed about the status of your case, outline next steps that you can plan for, and never fail to leave a question you have unanswered. With clear communication from your criminal defense attorney on their expectations for you, and vice versa, they will be able to advocate for you to the fullest extent possible.
When should you obtain a criminal defense attorney?
It is important to secure a criminal defense attorney at the earliest possible opportunity. Even if you have not been formally charged with a crime and are only facing an allegation or investigation, a criminal defense attorney can help you preserve any evidence that may be helpful to a potential future defense, seek to have potential witnesses interviewed, or give you advice regarding an anticipated timeline for the investigation process.
Importantly, the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution grants you a constitutional right against self-incrimination. This means that you cannot be forced to make statements against your interests. Often, during the course of a criminal investigation, but prior to filing formal criminal charges, law enforcement will attempt to interview a suspect or involved party to a case. Due to the right against self-incrimination, you are not required to submit to such an interview. In fact, it is vital that you consult an attorney prior to agreeing to do so, as any statements you make—even if they do not seem incriminating to you—could be adversely used against you to form the basis for a criminal charge and/or at a jury trial as evidence against you. Even innocent people can make statements that appear incriminating and can result in a very negative impact to that person’s case.
If you have already been formally charged with a crime and arrested, obtaining an attorney thereafter will be beneficial because they will be able to immediately argue on your behalf to a judge regarding whether you should be granted a bond so that you can be released from jail while awaiting trial or other resolution of your case.
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Who should I contact if I’m being accused of or facing charges?
If you are under investigation for criminal charges, or are currently facing charges, contact Berry Law’s team of experienced criminal defense trial attorneys to see how they can help you protect your rights. No matter the level of criminal charge, a conviction could result in significant formal consequences like fines, probation, or incarceration. A conviction could also lead to informal consequences like the loss of your employment, family, and good reputation. The legal system and the laws in your State are complicated. It is important to obtain legal representation and rely on a criminal defense lawyer who has knowledge, training, and experience handling matters similar to yours.
