Many people represent themselves in court and make it out well. Just as many people also end up losing their cases on technicalities or improper court procedures. You do not want to go into the court unprepared for a criminal case.
There are a lot of procedures to be followed when going to court. You need a criminal defense attorney when the stake is higher than a parking ticket or simple fine. You can get criminal defense attorney services at The Law Offices of Adam R. Banner. A criminal defense attorney wears many hats. Besides gathering evidence and witnesses in your defense and cross-examining those in the prosecution, they can help you in the following ways.
Work Out a Sentencing Program
Depending on the charges, your attorney may be able to work out a suitable sentencing program. Even if you are found guilty, the lawyer may be able to get your sentence structured in a way which would keep you from crossing paths with the judicial system later. For instance, if you are facing a 5-month prison sentence for a drug offense. Your lawyer can suggest that you go to prison for three months and spend the remaining months in a rehabilitation center to treat the drug problem which got you in the soup.
Get You A Plea Bargain
Criminal defense attorneys can negotiate a plea bargain for you by working with the prosecutor. Plea bargains can lead to a reduction of the potential sentences. Sometimes they can even eliminate some or all of the charges against you. Prosecutors can be uninterested in negotiating with defendants who represent themselves.
Show you the Real Picture
A criminal defense lawyer knows how things work in the court. They will also be aware of the ground realities of the trial better than you will ever be. They are also objective in providing you with cognizance of the goings-on of the trial and what to expect from it.
Make you Aware of the Rules
Many a time law is an intricate field. Therefore, there may be certain aspects entwined within the main ones. You may not be able to decipher such details on your own. This is because you do not know the various laws and amendments of the constitution. You may also not be sure about the lawfulness of any process when you decide to represent yourself.
Helps you Adhere to Unwritten Rules
While courts have several rules in writing that one must adhere to, there are some unwritten rules that may apply to a given jurisdiction. Only experienced lawyers can be aware of these rules and are the right people to meet with when trying to get a given task done. Such services can help you save time.
Gather Evidence and Statements
Not all witnesses can be comfortable speaking giving statements to people accused of committing a crime, fearing their personal safety. They can, however, feel better about talking to your attorney thus helping your case. Further, the lawyer can identify and hire investigators who can scrutinize the witnesses to be presented by the prosecution.
It would ultimately be only you who can decide whether to hire a criminal defense attorney for your case or not. If you choose to represent yourself, then ensure you retain the best attorney to act as a coach during the trial.…