Being charged with a crime can be an emotionally and physically draining experience. Although the situation may be dire, it’s vital that defendants don’t make any missteps that could lead to losing their cases. Unfortunately, making the decision not to hire a lawyer could very well be one of those missteps. For those who have been considering moving forward with their case without consulting an attorney, keep reading to find out why that is almost never a viable idea.
A Personal Advocate
Most people the defendant will encounter throughout their time in the legal system is working on behalf of the prosecution. Police officers, investigators, and even the judge, all approach the case with one mission: to put a criminal behind bars. For that reason, shady tactics may be used to gather evidence or force a verbal confession. Unfortunately, far too many defendants put themselves in jeopardy because they don’t have the help of a criminal defense lawyer. An attorney will be there for their client, advocating for their rights and making sure they aren’t violated. They’ll also arm the defendant with knowledge and advice that will keep them from putting their case or credibility at risk.
Fighting for a Fair Deal
One of the most important reasons for hiring a criminal defense lawyer is having the benefit of their negotiation skills. Not every defendant would do well trial, especially when the attorney feels that a conviction and harsh sentencing are very likely to be the outcome. When this is the case, an attorney will be able to use their knowledge and experience with the familiar faces on the prosecution team to argue for a fair plea deal. This often proves to be nearly impossible without a good attorney, since the prosecution won’t generally like the idea of dealing with pro se defendants. In the end, those with attorneys on their side could end up with lesser charges and less jail time.
Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is important for those defendants who truly want to get the best outcome in their case. Not only will an attorney help the defendant to develop a rock-solid case, but they’ll advocate for their rights throughout every stage of the case. Log on to Blatzlawminnesota.com to learn more about why working with a knowledgeable attorney can be the key that unlocks success in fighting criminal charges.
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