What Is A Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you or your loved one has been arrested and charged with committing a crime, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. In moments like this, speaking to a criminal defense attorney will help prepare a legal defense in court and give advice on how to avoid actions that might further complicate the case.
Criminal defense lawyers specialize in different areas of law. When looking for one, make sure to get an attorney who handles cases similar to yours.
The Role Of A Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal defense attorneys are much more than just defense lawyers. They are advocates, counselors, negotiators, and even psychologists to some degree. Here are some roles of these defense attorneys.
Carry Out Investigation
One of the most important roles of a criminal defense attorney is to investigate a case. This involves talking to witnesses, reviewing police reports, and collecting evidence. A good defense attorney will leave no stone unturned in their quest for the truth.
Appeal Decisions Where Necessary
A criminal defense attorney may handle appeals for their clients. An appeal is when a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court. The attorney may argue that the lower court made an incorrect decision based on the law. They will present new evidence or re-argue the case to try to get a different outcome.
In some cases, a criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to have charges reduced or dismissed. This is especially common in first-time offender cases.
Benefits Of Hiring A Criminal Defense Attorney
Unless you are an attorney, handling a case on your own can be tiresome. You need to file paperwork, talk to the police, and work on your bail at the same time. You may also risk getting a higher sentence for your crime due to a lack of experience defending yourself. Some benefits of hiring a criminal defense attorney include:
Experience In The Field
Attorneys have significant and invaluable experience dealing with the police, prosecutors, and magistrates. They know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, and they can use this knowledge to help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Taking Care Of Paperwork
An attorney will take care of all the paperwork required in your case. This includes filing any necessary documents with the court, getting discovery from the prosecution, and tracking deadlines. This can be a huge relief at a time when you are already dealing with a lot of stress.
Deep Knowledge Of The Law
A criminal defense attorney has a law degree and has passed the bar exam. This means they have a deep understanding of the law and how it applies to your case. They can explain the charges against you, what options you have, and what the likely outcome will be.
No Being Taken Advantage Of
You have constitutional rights whether you are guilty or innocent. Unfortunately, sometimes the criminal justice system tends to be unfair. The scales are tipped in the prosecution’s favor. They have more resources, manpower, and time to investigate and prepare their case against you. An experienced criminal defense attorney levels the playing field.
Find the Best Defense Attorneys In LA
If you have been accused of a crime in LA, your first step should be to use the Real Deal Attorneys locator service to find the best attorney for your legal needs.
Our Real Deal Attorneys team has years of experience defending clients against all types of charges including drug possession, theft, assault, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, homicide, robbery, and burglary.
We are committed to getting the best possible outcome for each client we represent. For more information, check out our recent press release.