If you are facing criminal charges, including felonies, you need an attorney to represent you. Criminal cases are complex, and the average person is not privy to court procedures or criminal law.
A criminal defense lawyer is a skilled negotiator and persuader that can convince the judge, jury, and prosecutor of your innocence. They will also investigate the case to find any flaws in the prosecution’s argument.
Charges are filed against you
Whether you’re facing minor misdemeanor charges or serious felonies, the sooner you get a criminal defense attorney on your side, the better. They will review the charges, build a strong case on your behalf and begin work toward your pretrial release.
They can also help you avoid pitfalls in your legal case by advising you on how to answer law enforcement questions and prevent you from saying something that could hurt your case. They can even help you reduce your penalty by negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor.
When you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney, ask friends and family for recommendations. Check attorney reviews and search online for professional profiles. If you can’t afford to hire an attorney, many states offer free public defenders who will provide zealous representation. Additionally, some employers offer legal insurance that may cover some or all of your legal costs.
You’ve been charged with a crime
If you have been charged with a crime, it is critical that you seek legal representation. Having an attorney build a defense for you will ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of having your charges dropped or having your sentence reduced.
It is also important to have an attorney present during any questioning by police officers, as they can help you avoid making statements that could incriminate yourself. In addition, they can determine whether your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation, such as if police did not have a warrant to search your home or had probable cause to do so.
Criminal defense attorneys understand the legal system inside and out. They know what to look for and how to find loopholes that can save you from a lengthy prison term. They will walk you through the steps and help you understand everything that is happening. They will be your guide through uncharted waters that you could find yourself in without the right representation.
You’re facing serious penalties
If you are facing a felony conviction or substantial jail time, you absolutely need a criminal defense attorney. It’s not worth the risk of losing your freedom to try to go it alone.
Depending on the nature of your case, it may be possible for a criminal defense attorney to have certain evidence excluded from your trial. They will also be able to help you have your bail reduced or waived so that you can get out of jail more quickly.
Criminal defense attorneys are familiar with the local courts and know how prosecutors and judges think. This will be important when building your defense and determining whether it’s worth going to trial or seeking a plea bargain agreement.
A good criminal defense attorney will be able to explain the charges you are facing, what they will look like in court and how much they could impact your life if found guilty. They will not over promise anything but instead give you an honest assessment of what is to come.
You’re accused of a crime
A criminal defense attorney in Harrisburg will help protect your rights and fight to have charges dropped. They can work on reducing your bail and even negotiate with the prosecutor to enter a plea bargain for a lesser penalty.
They can also advise you during an investigation so that you do not self-incriminate or say something that will hurt your case later on. The right lawyer will be able to find any evidence that supports your innocence or that can create doubt of the truthfulness of the accusations against you.
In addition to this, they can ensure that all your legal rights are being protected by determining if police officers broke any of the laws during their investigation, such as violating your constitutional rights to privacy or conducting an illegal search. They can also gather any witnesses that can support your side and even bolster your alibi. This is especially important if you’re facing a felony charge because the consequences are more serious.
