If you have been accused of a crime, you may be wondering whether or not you need to hire a lawyer. Whether you are facing a smaller misdemeanor or a felony, the simple truth is that you shouldn’t be by yourself during this time. Even if you are just looking at a small fine, you need to have someone on your side.
Here are some reasons why you need to hire an experienced criminal lawyer, no matter what charge you are facing.
You need someone to help you figure out the best way to proceed.
The legal system is complex. Though you may read about relevant crimes and common defenses online, the truth is that it isn’t always so cut and dry. You need an experienced lawyer who can listen to your case and guide you in the right direction for you and your family.
He or she will listen to your case and help you decide what options you have. Your lawyer will also be able to go through any potential consequences that you may be looking at, if you decide to go that route.
The ideal goal of any experienced lawyer is to get your charges dropped so you aren’t facing any consequences. However, if that isn’t possible, he or she will help you get the best plea deal so you don’t have to go to trial. If you do end up in court, he or she will fight for you.
If you do go to trial, your lawyer will be there every step of the way.
A trial is often complicated and messy, so you need someone to fight for you. Your lawyer will investigate your case, find witnesses, and make sure that you are as prepared as possible for court.
Without a lawyer, you could be facing the worst possible conviction and consequences possible. Instead of getting your charges dropped, you could be looking at years behind bars. You shouldn’t do this alone or your whole life may change. Many innocent people go to jail because they didn’t have a good lawyer on their side.
Your lawyer will also help you with the emotions that you are feeling.
Getting charged with a crime and figuring out what to do is very stressful. Trying to decide which route to take can be downright exhausting. Your lawyer will help paint a picture of what your life may look like, depending on what path you decide to follow.
He or she can help you deal with your emotions, because they have seen it all before. They may be able to help you deal with your feelings of helplessness and anger so that you can get through this difficult time.
The consequences can change the rest of your life.
The truth is that without proper legal counsel you are probably going to be charged for your crime. Not only does this mean that you could spend significant time in jail and pay hefty fines, but the rest of your life will also change. You may struggle to find employment and a place to live when you have a criminal conviction behind your name. You may also lose the trust of your family and friends, which can take years to repair. Because it can change your entire life, you shouldn’t leave it up to chance.
No matter what crime you are facing, you need to have an experienced lawyer to help you through this difficult time. He or she will be able to talk to you about your options and what you are facing with each of them. He or she will fight to get your charges dropped (or even just lowered) so that your whole life doesn’t have to change.