If you’ve been charged with a crime, the legal consequences that will follow you can be dire. Whether you’re guilty of the crime or not, having an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer on your side can positively influence the outcome of your case.
Due to the solid training and experience they have in handling cases, criminal lawyers can advise on various issues that may help you win your case. It’s important that you understand a bit about criminal lawyers, why you should ever need one, and what to expect.
What is the Work of a Criminal Lawyer
A criminal defense lawyer may be assigned a case either by the court or contacted directly by the defendant. Once they agree to take up the case, they will set up a personal and confidential meeting with the client. It is important that both parties make acquaintances since the lawyer and the client will be working together. The meeting will also involve the client sharing all the important details about the case.
The lawyer will then proceed to find possible avenues in which they can establish the innocence of their client. This is achieved through thorough investigations into the case. It might involve questioning possible witnesses or analyzing present evidence.
When the case goes to trial, it is the responsibility of the lawyer to represent their client. It is up to the lawyer to question witnesses or alleged victims of the crime who would testify against the client. If the client is found guilty and sentenced for the crime, the lawyer can help negotiate lighter punishment for the accused.
How a Criminal Lawyer Can Help Your Case
A criminal defense attorney can save you a lot of stress from having to engage the legal system by yourself. The law can be very complex and overwhelming. By involving Philadelphia criminal lawyers, you will save yourself from unnecessary worry as they will provide professional legal insight into your criminal matter.
Most people think that engaging a criminal lawyer is too costly and they would rather represent themselves. However, failing to consult a criminal lawyer can be even more costly. Because of your lack of experience or training in law, you might be falsely charged, declared guilty when otherwise, or wrongly sent to prison. You could even lose your job unfairly as a result of the criminal investigation.
You would not perform self-surgery so why should you choose to represent yourself in a criminal case? Choosing an experienced lawyer to represent you can help avoid such troubles. They can even help you identify loopholes and weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case before the matter goes to trial.
If your case is a matter of public interest, a lawyer will advise you on what to say so that you don’t end up saying anything that would incriminate you.
Do Your Research
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, you need to look into their previous record in handling cases similar to yours. Your ideal lawyer should have credible knowledge and experience so be sure to check their background. Making an informed hire could be the ultimate decider on whether you’ll win the case or not.
Thanks for helping me understand the responsibilities of a criminal lawyer. A friend of mine pleads guilty to theft and is now looking for an attorney to negotiate for a lighter punishment. Since I want to help him with his case, perhaps I shall then do research and look into the lawyer’s previous record in handling cases similar to his before hiring.