A criminal advocate is also known as a criminal defense attorney. This type of lawyer specializes in criminal law. A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who protects the client’s legal rights and ensures that the rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution are upheld.
One defendant may hire a criminal defense attorney or several defendants charged with the same crime. These lawyers assist their clients in every step of a criminal matter and through the justice system. Criminal defense lawyers can also help reduce sentences and make requests for alternate sentencing options if this option is available.
It is important to take criminal charges seriously. A lot of convictions can result in heavy criminal fines and lengthy jail sentences. You must treat criminal cases with care and adhere to the correct procedural requirements. You can have a criminal defense lawyer help you by educating you about your rights and conducting research to determine potential defenses that you could raise against your charges.
Where Can I Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
There are many resources available to help you find the right criminal defense lawyer. Apart from looking at individual search engine results and visiting the state and local bar associations’ websites, it is important to check with your network (e.g. family, friends, coworkers, etc.). To find out if any people have recommendations for criminal defense lawyers they know or have hired in the past,
If a person has ever worked with a lawyer or is currently working with one, they might be able to reach out to them and ask for their recommendations. Even if an attorney a person is used to working with is specialized in another area of law, this is still true.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION NOW
Before hiring a criminal defense attorney, there are other factors that one should consider:
- What amount they can put aside for a lawyer’s fees?
- Whether the state will pay or provide financial aid.
- What type of criminal lawyer is required for their case (e.g. white-collar crime vs. drunk driving violation)?
- It is important to know where the lawyer is located within their jurisdiction.
- If they feel at ease working with a lawyer and can trust them.
- How much experience the lawyer has?
- If the person has any preferences about a lawyer’s past (e.g., where they went to law school, which firm they currently work for, if they have received any awards, published any works after graduation, etc. ).
What Should I Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Most attorneys schedule a consultation session before accepting a case. Prospective clients who are prepared can benefit from this meeting as it allows them to evaluate the attorney before they hire them.
A list of questions and concerns that prospective clients have about their case, legal services, and background is the best way to prepare for a meeting with a criminal defense lawyer.
Here are some questions you should ask potential criminal defense attorneys before you hire them. These are:
- What is the cost of the consultation?
- What is their fee structure? How do they structure their fees?
- Are they familiar with similar cases? What were their outcomes?
- What is the expected length of the attorney’s case? This will depend on the case and could change over time.
- What kind of law does the lawyer practice? Are they able to specialize in particular areas or subcategories of criminal law?
- What years of experience have they had in criminal defense?
- Is there another way to resolve the case or is the court the only option?
- How often do they update clients? Are there any particular methods they use to keep in touch with their clients? Is it known? Is it possible to reach them using the same method?
- Will the attorney-client privilege protect information about the case? The privilege will still apply even if an attorney is not selected to represent the client.
It is also important to remember that every case is unique. The above list should not be taken as a definitive interpretation. It is meant to serve as a guideline for formulating questions that are more tailored to each individual’s situation.
What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney?
There are many benefits to being able to choose which criminal defense attorney one wants to hire. It means that the person can choose an attorney they feel comfortable with and trust.
Sometimes, if a person is unable to choose their attorney, and is assigned one through a service, or appointed by a Public Defender’s Office for one, they may not feel as comfortable working with them. This could lead to a potential loss of their case.
A person can also narrow down their search for a criminal defense lawyer by deciding how experienced they are, what they are willing and able to pay, experience in similar cases, etc. They can also be very selective when it comes to the hiring process.
A person might want to hire an attorney at a small firm that specializes only in criminal defense cases rather than one who works at large law firms that handle many other matters (e.g. family law, trust, and estates). ).
This will ensure that all lawyers are practicing criminal law. However, it is less likely that a smaller firm will have the time and resources to concentrate on just a few cases.
What Does a Defense Attorney Do in a Criminal Case?
Here’s a quick overview of what happens in criminal cases:
- A group or person commits a crime.
- The crime is then investigated by law enforcement (or, in certain cases, may be witnessed by them).
- After collecting evidence and conducting an investigation, the police may arrest the person of interest.
- The evidence and all information about the suspect will be submitted by the police to the local district attorney or state prosecutor’s office.
- The state prosecutor or district attorney will determine if sufficient evidence exists to charge the suspect. If so, they will file a criminal case against them.
- The suspect will then appear at an arraignment hearing, where they will plead guilty or not guilty.
- The pretrial process, where the prosecutor, as well as a criminal defense lawyer, build their respective cases, will be initiated if they plead guilty.
- If the defendant refuses to enter into a plea deal, they will be tried. This trial can either be before a judge and jury or just one judge (i.e. a bench trial).
- After the trial is over, the judge or jury will determine the outcome of your case.
- If the defendant is found guilty, they will be required to appear at a sentencing hearing. The court will then issue a punishment.
- To reverse the verdict of the trial judge, the defendant can file an appeal.
Criminal defense attorneys represent defendants. Individuals or groups of people are accused of committing a crime. A good criminal lawyer will, among other things, review the facts of a defendant’s case and ensure that the police used the correct procedures to gather evidence. He or she can also hire expert witnesses to testify for the defendant. Finally, they will provide solid representation in court.
What Are the Best Times to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
You should immediately contact a local Criminal Lawyer if you are facing criminal charges. A skilled criminal lawyer will be able to determine if there are defenses that you may have and help you develop a strategy that could reduce or eliminate the charges. Your legal rights as a criminal defendant can be explained to you by your lawyer and protected.
Your lawyer can also represent you in court or during a plea bargain agreement. You can also ask your lawyer any questions throughout the process. Your lawyer can provide legal advice regarding any issues that might arise in your case. This may be helpful to you as you make important decisions that will affect your personal life.
Get in Touch With an Experienced Attorney Today
At The Black Law Company, we understand that facing criminal charges can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing aggressive and personalized representation for our clients. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Other Services We Offer:
- CAR ACCIDENTS
- PERSONAL INJURY / WRONGFUL DEATH
- CIVIL RIGHTS LAW
- CRIMINAL DEFENSE
- CIVIL LITIGATION
- TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING
- NURSING HOME ABUSE
- PREMISES LIABILITY & NEGLIGENT SECURITY
- TRADEMARKS / BUSINESS LAW
Don’t let a criminal charge ruin your life. Contact The Black Law Company today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the criminal justice system. With our expertise and knowledge, we will fight to protect your freedom and reputation. Trust us to be your strong advocate every step of the way.
