When a person is accused of committing a crime, their life can change overnight. If they are facing serious charges, they will need the services of a criminal defense attorney to protect their rights and ensure that they have the best chances of winning their case. But what does a criminal defense attorney do? How to choose a criminal defense lawyer? Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is crucial in complicated legal situations.
- It is important to look for an attorney with experience in criminal law and who has effective communication skills to convey security to their client.
- A criminal attorney can help in cases of serious crimes such as homicide, domestic violence, drugs, rape, among others.
What is a criminal defense attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a legal professional, specialized in the area of criminal law, whose main function is to represent and defend people accused of committing a serious crime. Their job is to thoroughly analyze the case, investigate the evidence presented by the prosecution, advise their client on their legal rights and options, and of course, protect their clients’ rights, as well as guarantee them a fair trial.
In addition, they have the responsibility of seeking both witnesses and evidence and then presenting the relevant arguments to the judge to find the best solution for their case.
Types of Criminal Defense Attorneys
There are different criminal defense attorneys who specialize in different areas of criminal law. Some of these types of attorneys include:
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Drug and Related Crime Defense Attorneys
- DUI Defense Attorneys
- White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys
- Sex Crime Defense Attorneys
- Homicide Defense Attorneys
- Robbery and Theft Defense Attorneys
- Fraud and Scam Defense Attorneys
- Computer Crime Defense Attorneys
- Civil Rights Violations Defense Attorneys
Depending on the problem you have, you can hire any of these professionals. At S&B Legal, we have the best professionals ready to help you with whatever you need. Contact us quickly to start talking about your case.
How to choose a criminal defense attorney? Five Characteristics of a Criminal Defense Attorney
A good criminal defense attorney should have these characteristics. If he or she meets all of them, they will be the ideal professional to help you resolve your case.
1. They should be experienced in criminal defense
When you face criminal charges, you want to have an attorney who has extensive knowledge in handling cases like yours. Look for a criminal defense attorney who specializes in criminal law and has experience in the type of charges you face. To learn more about their track record, ask about the attorney’s success rate in similar cases, whether they have ever taken a case to trial, and whether the outcome has been favorable to the client.
2. Communication
A lawyer should keep you informed about your case at all times and should tell you immediately if anything new comes up. During your consultation, pay attention to how well the criminal defense attorney communicates and whether he or she seems interested in your case. Both you and your attorney will be a team, which is why you should make sure that you both can communicate well with each other.
3. Resources
A good criminal defense attorney will have the resources to investigate your case and build a strong defense, including hiring experts and investigators when necessary. Having access to legal professionals who can help you with your case, such as forensic scientists or private investigators, will also be critical.
4. Reliability
It is important to trust your criminal defense attorney and feel confident in their ability to handle your case. Feeling comfortable with them will be vital to achieving the desired outcome in court, otherwise it will be better to change specialists.
5. Cost
Criminal defense attorneys typically charge by the hour, so be sure to ask about their rates during your consultation. You should also inquire about any other costs associated with their cases, such as expert fees or investigation prices. Get a written estimate of the total cost of your case before hiring a specialist, this way you can assess whether your budget is able to cover that investment.
In what cases may it be necessary to hire a criminal defense attorney?
A criminal defense attorney can be of great help after being accused of a serious crime such as:
- Homicide
- Robbery
- Domestic violence
- Drug possession
- Fraud
- Murder
- Injury
- Assault
- Torture
- Illegal organ trafficking
- Attempted rape
- Kidnapping
- Forgery of documents
- Insult
- Slander
- And many more
Likewise, it is advisable to consult a criminal defense attorney if you are being investigated by the police, if you have been arrested, if you are facing criminal charges, when you want to file a complaint, or even if the other parties involved have already hired the services of a criminal defense attorney.
Advantages of having a criminal defense attorney
They have more experience
A criminal defense attorney has more experience and knowledge in both major and minor crimes than another professional dedicated to another area of law. These types of specialists are constantly studying and practicing the law, which means that they are up to date on the laws of criminal law, as well as the various judicial procedures that exist.
In any situation, criminal defense attorneys understand the charges that may be against you, the agreements that could be established, and even what is the best way to proceed in case you are found guilty.
A lawyer dedicated to another area, such as family, commercial, among others, could advise you, but will not be able to give you the assistance you really need. Therefore, you must have the best professional by your side, because with their knowledge they can get you out of any trouble and provide you with the greatest emotional stability.
Greater strategy when planning the defense
This professional has a great ability to develop effective strategies that lead to the best result in the hearing. This process includes preparing for trial, making deals with prosecutors, filing legal motions to dismiss or reduce charges, and other tasks that must be done thoroughly to achieve success.
Facilities to provide emotional support
Facing criminal charges can be very complicated, so in addition to needing legal support to get through the situation, you can also support them emotionally by helping them understand the process from empathy, together you can deal with feelings of shame, anxiety, depression, or fear that they may feel.
Therefore, make sure to look for an attorney with experience in criminal law, who communicates well and has the resources to investigate your case. The most important thing is to trust your instinct, as well as feel comfortable with it. S&B Legal Law Firm is here to help you every step of the way! Our law firm has an expert criminal defense attorney ready to fight for you; if you need help, do not hesitate to contact us.
Summary
When you are charged with a crime, it is important to find a criminal defense attorney you can trust to protect your rights and give you the best chance of winning your case. When hiring one, it is important to look for certain qualities and characteristics that will ensure an effective defense. Some aspects to consider are the attorney’s experience and track record in criminal cases, their reputation and credibility in the field, his ability to communicate effectively and transparently with his client, and his commitment and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome in the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a criminal defense attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a professional specialized in criminal law who represents and defends people accused of committing crimes, protecting their rights and guaranteeing a fair trial.
In what cases is it recommended to hire a criminal defense attorney?
It is recommended to hire a criminal defense attorney in cases of serious crimes such as homicide, domestic violence, drugs, and fraud, among others, as well as in situations where you are being investigated or facing criminal charges.
What are the advantages of having a criminal defense attorney?
Advantages include experience and specialized knowledge in criminal law, the ability to develop effective defense strategies, and emotional support during the legal process. It is essential to trust the chosen attorney and feel comfortable with their representation.
What should I do if I am arrested for a criminal offense?
If you are arrested for a criminal offense, it is important to remain calm and not make statements without the presence of an attorney. Exercise your right to remain silent and have an attorney present during questioning.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney?
A criminal defense attorney’s fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience, and geographic location. It is important to talk to the attorney about his or her fees and come to a clear agreement before hiring his or her services.
