subject: Why A Criminal Attorney Is Essential To Your Case [print this page] If you've been arrested for a serious crime, the question of whether or not you need an attorney is not really a question at all. Beg, borrow, or...well, you may not be in the position to steal, but you need to find a way to hire legal counsel. In a worst-case scenario, you can rely on the public defender to take your case, but don't expect much from him. Still, an overworked and underpaid lawyer is better than no lawyer at all. The earlier you can get legal representation, the better off you'll be. Of course, hiring even the best criminal lawyer in the country is no guarantee of acquittal, but it is a near certainty that you'll see better results than you would have seen on your own. Here are some of the reasons you need to hire one today.
Bring Charges to a Halt
Hire a good attorney early enough in the process, and there's a chance that the prosecution could drop the charges altogether. While there's always the possibility that this could happen even if you don't hire a lawyer, they are slim. In truth, they are slim even with legal counsel, but they are certainly better. Your counselor may be able to persuade the state to drop the charges in favor of lesser charges or simply drop them completely. He will need some sort of factual evidence to do this, but it may exist. Often, people going through the system for the first time don't know how to properly advocate on their own behalf.
Plea Bargaining
For some crimes and situations, going to trial is a bad idea. What is the point of pleading not guilty if the state has you cold? It's a waste of time, money, and resources. Worst of all, from your perspective, you will be inviting the harshest punishment possible. On the other hand, the state has little incentive to negotiate with a defendant who has not hired an attorney. You pose no threat to them whatsoever. Once you pull in an excellent lawyer, they feel the pressure. Now, the prospect of losing what should be a slam dunk case starts to sound like a distinct possibility and they may be willing to deal.
Alternative Sentencing
Many people charged with a crime never see a jury trial. Instead, they plead guilty and accept the sentencing handed down by the judge. He will make the sentencing decision based on the severity of the crime, your criminal background, and a variety of other factors. If you have a good attorney by your side, you may be able to argue (or plead) for mercy and lighter sentencing. Instead of going to prison, you may wind up with probation or community service.
