Facing criminal charges can be life-changing for the worst if you don’t get the right help. Every person that faces criminal charges should not think for a single moment whether or not they should hire a criminal defense lawyer.
But the single, and probably most important, thing that puts people off from hiring a criminal defense lawyer is the fact that it costs so much. Hiring a lawyer isn’t an easy thing due to the costs and fees that come with it.
However, hiring a good criminal defense lawyer for a criminal charge will give you the best defense you could have when in court.
But, simply pointing it out like this won’t cut it so we are here to tell you about the 5 reasons why you need to hire such a lawyer. Without wasting too much of your time, let’s begin.
1. They have the proper knowledge of the judicial system
The legal system is one of the most complicated systems that you could navigate in. Even if you’re professional that works in it, understanding all of it in its entirety is a far stretch.
That’s why there are certain branches and attorneys that specialize in those branches. Hiring a family law attorney for a criminal defense case isn’t the best course of action. Because of this, you need to hire the right person that practices the right type of law.
For the purpose of this article, you’ll need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you with your criminal charges. The reasoning behind it is that this person will know everything related to this type of law. They will have the knowledge to guide you through the process and explain everything along the way.
2. They build relationships with prosecutors
Much like in any industry out there, people develop relationships with it. But we’re not talking about romantic relationships, we’re talking about professional relationships.
In this industry, defense attorneys build and develop relationships with prosecutors. Prosecutors are the counterparts of the people that represent you, making them the people that sue you.
Both of these are inherently different since one of them protects you will the other one prosecutes you. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t know each other.
These people see each other every day. They probably worked on dozens if not hundreds of cases as opposite sides. That doesn’t mean that they have a distaste for one another. Quite the contrary, this might work in your favor.
Sometimes, hiring a defense attorney solely due to their relationship with the prosecutor could prove vital in the outcome of your case. This stems solely from the fact that your defense attorney might negotiate a better plea deal with the prosecutor if they both know each other.
Naturally, this means you have to hire an experienced attorney that has years behind in the industry.
This puts us nicely to the next one, which is …
3. They have dealt with similar cases before
It goes without saying that some attorneys are more experienced than others simply because they’ve worked on more cases. But they must have worked on similar cases as this is the factor that you have to take most into consideration.
Some defense attorneys are simply better than others, which is definitely another factor that you need to take into consideration. The question of experience will always come forth whenever you’re looking to hire a defense attorney.
You need to make sure that the attorney in question has practiced the right type of law that will suit your case.
4. They will fight for your case
A criminal charge isn’t something you’d want on your record. According to Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates, the only reason you’ve gotten that criminal charge is because you’ve hired the wrong person for the job.
A criminal defense lawyer will fight tooth and nail for your case. But not only that, you need to remember that this is something that is inherently tied to your future.
With such charges on your record, it will be much harder for you to get a job. Not only that, but fewer people will be willing to be around. If you’re facing such charges then you really need to make sure you’re hiring the right person for the job.
If you do manage to hit the nail on the head, then do know that there is a wide variety of scenarios that can happen. For example, a good criminal defense attorney could get your charges reduced. But that’s not all that can happen. A good attorney might even get your case completely dismissed due to various things.
The easiest way for them to do this is by looking at the evidence and file for police errors. All of these scenarios play a huge role in whether or not you get your record smeared or not.
As we mentioned earlier, you must keep a clean record as this will definitely impact your future. If you do manage to hire the right person that will get your case dismissed, then you have the world to take him for.
5. They can save you money
It’s not entirely accurate to think that spending more money on a quality attorney is counterproductive to your finances. Imagine the negative financial impact if the felony stays on your record.
Instead of getting a cheap attorney, you need to spend every single dime and hire the best possible defense team for your case. Defense law is a complex field, and having a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side can make all the difference in securing the best possible outcome for your legal situation.
Doing everything you can to get a positive income out of a criminal charge will only save you from the negativity that will come once the felony gets on your record.
It’s worth more to spend money you don’t have on a quality attorney than to lose your job, your professional license, and possibly your relationship.
Never underestimate the financial impact that comes as a subsequent to having a dirty record.
How To Become a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Becoming a criminal defense lawyer requires a combination of formal education, practical experience, and personal dedication. But let us take a look at a the details.
- Educational Background: Begin with a bachelor’s degree. While law schools don’t require a specific major, courses in criminal justice, political science, or philosophy can provide relevant background knowledge.
- LSAT Examination: To enter law school, you’ll need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This standardized test evaluates reading, logical, and analytical reasoning skills. A high score can increase your chances of getting into a prestigious law school.
- Attend Law School: Enroll in a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited law school. Over three years, you’ll study topics like constitutional law, criminal law, and ethics. Participate in moot court competitions and internships to gain practical experience.
- Licensing: After graduation, you must pass the bar examination in the state where you intend to practice. This test evaluates knowledge of the law and ethical guidelines.
- Gaining Experience: Start by working in a law firm that specializes in criminal defense or take a position in a public defender’s office. You’ll learn from seasoned lawyers and handle real cases.
- Specialization: As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize in areas like white-collar crimes, juvenile defense, or drug offenses. Specialization can enhance your marketability and expertise.
- Continuous Learning: Law is a constantly evolving field. Stay updated by attending workshops, seminars, and courses. Join professional associations like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers to network and learn from peers.
