6 Reasons to Reach Out to a Criminal Defense Attorney
While the United States leads the world in many important categories worthy of national pride, its incarceration rate is a bummer.
The land of the free and the home of the brave led the globe with nearly 1.8 million incarcerated people at the conclusion of 2023. If you don’t have a criminal record, you probably know someone who does. One source says an estimated 77 million to 79 million Americans, translating to approximately 33% of adults, have criminal records.
Considering that so many American adults — about one in three — have criminal records, it pays to stay on the straight and narrow to avoid becoming part of that statistic. You’ll also want to know when it pays to get on the phone and contact one if you ever face criminal charges.
Here are six reasons to call a criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later.
1. You Need Expert Legal Advice
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer makes sense when you need expert legal counsel. Don’t underestimate the complexity of criminal law — especially if you’re facing charges that could result in losing your freedom.
It’s hard to make good decisions if you don’t understand the charges and the possible penalties if you’re found guilty. A lawyer can help.
2. You’re Facing Criminal Charges
If facing criminal charges, that’s a telltale sign to retain the services of a criminal defense lawyer. The police will let you know you have the right to remain silent and that anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. It’s never in your best interests to agree to answer questions about the charges before you hire a lawyer.
So, after identifying yourself, you should let the police know that you want to retain legal representation before answering questions. After you hire a lawyer, your legal professional will be by your side if you are interrogated to ensure your rights aren’t violated.
3. You Want Your Rights to Be Protected
Another reason to call a criminal defense lawyer is to safeguard your rights. A lawyer will ensure your constitutional rights are protected. That means safeguarding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure. Failing to enlist the help of a lawyer could land you in trouble.
4. You Want a Case Assessment
Yet another reason to consult a criminal law attorney is for a case assessment. You’ll want someone to give you a realistic overview of your case. You need to know what the charges mean, what evidence the prosecutor has, the possible outcomes, the potential penalties, and how the lawyer intends to proceed.
5. You Need Preparation for Court
Getting ready for court is another reason to hire a criminal defense lawyer. You need the right strategy, which means adequate preparation. When hiring the right lawyer, you’ll have a strong case that maximizes your chances of success in court or at the bargaining table.
Your lawyer will bring in experts to provide testimony if they believe going this route is a good idea.
6. You Need Stress Reduction
It’s not hard to imagine how stressful it can be to face criminal charges. Even if you’re found not guilty or if the judge throws out the case, the charges can cause long-term harm.
Your reputation may sustain a hit that takes ages to recover from — if it ever fully recovers.
Criminal charges can also negatively affect your employment situation and relationships. But with a criminal defense attorney on your side, you won’t have to bear all the burden. Knowing that a qualified professional is working on your behalf will give you more peace of mind.
When the situation calls for a criminal defense lawyer, the sooner you find one, the better. But don’t just hire any legal professional. Do some research to find a reputable criminal defense lawyer you can trust.
