Preparations Before Consulting a Criminal Defense Lawyer
In the unfortunate event of getting involved in defending a criminal case, the services of a criminal defense lawyer are invaluable. It is nearly impossible for a layman to understand the depth and technicalities involved in the charges against them. Moreover, a layman is in no position to understand the defenses available in such a crime. A criminal defense attorney is required to help them in understanding the nature of charges, defenses available, and the repercussions, if found guilty.
There are some technical issues at the pre-trial stage, which only a criminal defense attorney can employ to either dismiss the case at a pre-trial stage or during the trial or even lessen the charges. Consultation with a good criminal defense attorney can save you a jail term.
Felony or Misdemeanor Charges
An individual charged with a felony or a misdemeanor is entitled to get a criminal defense attorney through the public defender’s office. However, the urgency of the situation should always be given maximum priority in such cases. Any delay in consulting a criminal defense attorney could have serious repercussions for your case. Ideally, the criminal defense attorney should be consulted without any delay so that he/she may start preparing for the defense immediately.
Applicability of State or Federal Laws
There is a difference between many State and Federal laws dealing with the same offense. Therefore, the criminal defense attorney should be informed about the level of offense you’ve been charged with to prepare an effective and appropriate defense, which is different in State-level and Federal-level offenses.
Consultations with a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with a criminal offense, meeting and consulting a criminal defense lawyer is indispensable to completely understand the charges. Only an experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to inform you about different defenses available to you that could be upheld in a court of law. The American Constitution, by the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments, gives a right to anyone charged with a criminal offense to be represented and defended in a court of law by a competent attorney who can prepare sufficiently to defend the person so charged.
While consulting a criminal defense attorney, you need to be sure that the attorney will be able to handle your case with sufficient professionalism and expertise required in such cases. You can assess his/her capabilities by asking some relevant questions, like:
- What is your experience in handling such cases?
- What is your success ratio in similar cases?
- What are the associations and affiliations you possess? Are they relevant to my case?
- Have you been referred to other clients by your existing clients?
- Can I watch your performance in a court of law so that I may assess if you are the right criminal defense attorney for my case?
After asking relevant questions, hire the criminal defense attorney only if you feel that the attorney and you are in sync and can get along during the legal proceedings of your case.
