If you or a loved one has committed a crime, been accused of committing a crime, or think that either may happen soon, you may wonder if you need a lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers are lawyers who specialize in helping anyone facing criminal charges navigate the justice system, and defend them if needed. This differs from civil cases, which are disputes between people or organizations, as opposed to violations of criminal law.
What Crimes Do Criminal Lawyers Help With?
You may be wondering whether your criminal case is big enough to require a lawyer. Well, criminal defense attorneys help defend criminal cases of all sizes. If you are arrested, that means it’s serious. Criminal convictions should always be taken seriously from the start, to ensure the best outcome. The types of crimes that attorneys can help with include violent crimes, sexual misconduct, weapons charges, drug or alcohol violations, identity fraud, and more. Even certain traffic violations qualify as a felony and should not be taken lightly, such as driving without a license or insurance. A criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid or reduce jail time.
So When is the Right Time to Hire One?
Obviously it’s nearly impossible to hire a criminal lawyer before being arrested, so the best time to do so is as soon as an arrest is made. When someone gets arrested, they may be held in jail until their arraignment date if they are considered dangerous or a flight risk. In this case, they would need to call a family member or friend and ask that person to find them a lawyer. Oftentimes, however, the person is released and given an arraignment date to come back. In this case, the person can go home and do their own research to find a good defense attorney.
In either scenario, it is pertinent to find a lawyer as soon as possible. Having an attorney with you at your arraignment hearing is crucial so they can help guide your plea. Additionally, courts have been known to assign unreasonable bails, in which case your lawyer can help negotiate bail and get it reduced if possible. Your lawyer can also help connect you with a bail bondsman if you cannot afford bail.
If you are not arrested, but you witnessed a crime and the police “just want to talk,” be careful. If you think that for any reason you could become a suspect in the case, it’s best to consult with a lawyer and explain the situation. The same goes if the police ask you to sign something. Many attorneys, like Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyers Anaya & Chadderdon, offer free consultations. This allows you to explain your case and see if they can even help before committing to hiring them.
What Should I Look For in a Criminal Attorney?
If you have the time to do some research, take your time selecting a criminal defense lawyer. You’ll want to make sure that your attorney has experience with the type of crime you are being charged with. During your free consultation, you can ask them about their specific experience with that crime. It’s also important that they are local, since they will be knowledgeable about local laws and will be close by to attend meetings and hearings. Finally, it’s important to choose an attorney who is responsive. If they are slow to get back to you from the start, they could become unavailable when you need them the most.
Another concern that many people have when considering hiring a lawyer is the cost. It’s true that lawyers can be expensive, but in the long run it’s worth it. Having an attorney on your side will reduce your financial burden overall by helping to reduce fines and jail time that you may be facing. A professional will be able to negotiate better than you can, by using their knowledge of the law and their experience with similar cases. So if you are facing criminal charges, don’t hesitate to call a defense attorney.