Criminal defense lawyers must serve those charged with crimes in court. Crimes can vary in severity from a misdemeanor up to a felony. Discipline can range from a minor fine to years in prison or even death.

Representation is essential for those charged with a crime. The U.S. Constitution declares that all citizens accused of a crime will be presented representation. If you have hired the assistance of a criminal law lawyer or are attempting to retain one, you should understand what services your lawyer should be able to perform.

Why are Criminal Defense Attorneys Important?

Criminal law is a complicated body of state and federal legislation. Each state frequently sets its own penalties for state crimes. The majority of crimes are usually state offenses. Exemptions include creating damage to federal property or causing injury to a federal employee.

The average person will not have an adequate understanding of criminal law. Unfortunately, failing to understand the criminal law is infrequently a sufficient defense to bypass being found guilty.

Although a person has the legal right to represent themselves throughout criminal trial processes, the consequences of having inadequate legal representation can be critical. Misdemeanors might only involve a fine or a short jail sentence, but felonies, which are more severe crimes, can lead to lengthy prison terms. This is why it is so necessary to have someone educated about the law argue on your behalf.

Criminal Defense Attorney Services Pre-Trial

Criminal defense lawyers can help clients during the criminal justice process, including pre-trial. Some people prefer to hire a lawyer through the investigation phase of a crime before they are charged. This usually occurs if someone is a suspect and has ground to believe that he/she will someday be charged. In these cases, a criminal defense attorney may help instruct the person while being investigated by authorities to guarantee the suspect doesn't reveal any incriminating information.

A criminal defense lawyer can also help in persuading a court to dismiss charges against you based on inadequate evidence or incorrect procedure. For example, in numerous cases, a police officer must have probable cause before conducting an arrest. Probable cause involves a compelling reason to believe that you have performed a crime. Criminal defense lawyers have knowledge of probable cause as it is established within your jurisdiction and might be able to offer a challenge to the officer's argument in court. If the lawyer can prove that the officer did not have a probable cause to examine the alleged crime scene and make an arrest, charges on you could be dismissed before a trial begins.

When you are detained for a crime, you may be held pending trial. Though, you usually can be discharged as long as you present a certain amount of money which is called bail. Bail is designed to assure that you show up for trial. A criminal defense lawyer can try to convince the court to lessen your bond or waive it entirely.

If you know you will be deemed guilty of a crime, you might want to try to get a plea bargain with the prosecution. A plea bargain is a contracted agreement to decrease charges to a lesser offense or lessen the sentencing. Your lawyer can represent you throughout plea negotiations to improve your chances of obtaining a reduced punishment.

Criminal Defense Attorney Services at Trial

Criminal defense lawyers can also help you during the criminal trial. They can investigate your case, distinguishing its strengths and weaknesses. From there, you and your lawyer can cooperate to come up with a defensive approach.

Your lawyer can also explain the ups and downs of pleading guilty, mainly when a plea bargain is on the table.

Your attorney can also help with the conventional steps of a criminal trial, from jury selection to presenting opening statements to examining witnesses. And criminal defense lawyers can help you with the appeals process.

If you have any questions or require legal representation, do not be hesitant to contact The Davis Law Firm today at (803) 531-3888