Life doesn’t always give second chances, and this is especially true if you are fighting a criminal charge in court. Although it may seem expensive to hire a criminal defense attorney, the potential consequences of not hiring one can cost you even more.
When faced with a criminal charge, the first thing you should do is to hire the best criminal defense attorney you can find. But if you are wondering if hiring a criminal defense attorney is the right move, keep reading to learn the risks that you face by not having an attorney on your side and how hiring an attorney can benefit your case.
Risks of Not Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
Here are some of the risks involved when you choose to handle criminal charges on your own.
You May Not Know If Your Rights Have Been Violated
You have rights under the U.S. Constitution that apply before and after your arrest. However, if you don’t clearly understand those rights, you will not know if they have been violated.
You Won’t Know All Available Defenses
An experienced criminal attorney can evaluate your case and determine what defenses apply to your case. Without this knowledge, you won’t be able to fight your charges effectively.
You May Miss Chances to Protect Yourself Before Your Trial
There are many steps that a criminal defense lawyer can take to protect you before your trial. Some include pursuing reduced bail, filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, and motions to dismiss.
You Will Not Know if You Are Getting a Favorable Plea Deal
There are many factors you must consider when negotiating a plea deal. Without the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you won’t know if you are getting a good deal.
Prosecutors & Judges Will Not Treat Your Case Differently If You Represent Yourself
You shouldn’t expect leniency from prosecutors and judges if you choose to represent yourself. When prosecutors are preparing for trial, most will not do their jobs differently if you represent yourself. They will do all they can to get a conviction. And a judge’s sentence will be the same whether or not you have representation.
Limited Options For Appealing a Conviction or Sentence
Your criminal defense attorney takes steps to protect your rights on appeal throughout the process. However, you have limited options without an attorney to ensure those protections.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Now that you know what could go wrong if you don’t have a criminal defense attorney on your side, let’s discuss the benefits of hiring one.
They Know the Criminal Justice System
Professional criminal defense attorneys have spent years studying and practicing law. As a result, they know how to handle the different charges that can be part of a criminal case and are up-to-date on changes to laws or the legal system.
They Can Explain the Process to You
It can be difficult to understand the legal system, especially with each state’s different laws and procedures. A criminal defense attorney can explain the details of your case and answer any questions you have along the way.
They Will Handle All The Paperwork for Your Case
Ensuring that all of the paperwork for a legal case is handled correctly is essential. Missing one document can have substantial consequences. An experienced defense attorney knows what forms need to be filed and how to complete them correctly. They will handle all of the paperwork and ensure that there are no mistakes.
They Can Lay Out All of Your Options
From negotiations to potential plea deal options, your defense attorney can explain your options and the consequences of each and help you choose the right one for you and your situation.
They Can Help Protect Your Future
A criminal charge can significantly impact your future. You could face years of jail time and hefty fees if convicted. A conviction can also affect future employment and housing opportunities.
An experienced defense attorney will do all that’s in their power to protect your future. Sometimes a lawyer can have a case dismissed or have a conviction expunged from your record. Your attorney will help you review the various options regarding your case to help you live a normal life.
They Can Re-examine Evidence
An expert criminal defense attorney can examine the evidence to ensure that it hasn’t been tampered with or gathered illegally. They can also challenge witnesses who may not be truthful and point out weaknesses in their statements.
Let Southern Maryland Criminal Defense Protect You and Your Rights
Although there is no guarantee that you won’t face any consequences by retaining an attorney, hiring an experienced, professional criminal defense attorney will give you the best chance to get the outcome you are hoping for when facing criminal charges. Navigating the court system can be confusing, so you need someone on your side to guide you and protect you along the way. Southern Maryland Criminal Defense will do just that.
At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we will be by your side through the entire process and handle your case with compassion while fighting to protect your rights and your future. In addition, Jeremy has years of experience working as a prosecutor and can use that unique perspective to give your case the extra help it needs.