In today’s society, it’s easy to fall victim to a crime. In fact, you might be reading this article because you have been the victim of a crime. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes when they are putting themselves in danger. When you find yourself facing criminal charges, it can be scary and confusing. It’s important that you understand your rights and know what your next steps should be. If you hire an attorney, your situation will become much less stressful and scary very quickly. The best part is that hiring an attorney doesn’t cost too much money. If you read through this article carefully, we will walk you through some of the benefits of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Baldwin County if you find yourself in legal trouble as well as how much it will cost you if you do so.
You Have the Right to Legal Representation
As you read this, you may think that you have no reason to hire an attorney because the police have not even arrested you yet. The unfortunate truth is that you need an attorney from the very beginning of your case. When the police arrest you and even before arresting you, they will try to get information from you. This can be in the form of a written statement or even questions asked verbally. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning—and any other time you are dealing with law enforcement. The police are not your friends. They are there to investigate the case they want to bring against you. You can’t be certain they will treat you fairly. When you have a criminal defense lawyer present during questioning, this attorney can make sure that the questioning is legal and proper.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Allows You to Receive Help and Guidance
When you have a criminal defense attorney by your side, you will feel much less stressed. You will know that you have an experienced professional there to help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal system. This person will also inform you of what to expect during the legal process. The best way to understand this is to imagine that you are in a car accident. The person who caused the accident is likely very nervous and scared. You, on the other hand, are likely very calm. You know exactly what to do and how the system works because you’ve been through it before. This is the same thing that will happen when you hire a criminal defense attorney. You will know what to expect and be able to prepare yourself. You will be able to hire an attorney who specializes in your type of case. This will ensure that you receive the best help possible.
An Attorney Can Help Reduce Penalties and Sentences
When you are charged with a crime, you are likely to face a fine or a jail sentence. While this may seem fair because you have broken the law and deserve to be punished, your attorney can help you receive the least severe sentence possible. If it is not necessary to send you to jail, your attorney can make this clear to the judge. If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), your attorney can even help you avoid a permanent criminal record. When you have a criminal record, it can make it difficult to find a job, get financial aid for school, or even get a place to live. Your attorney can work to have your record expunged so that it is as if nothing ever happened.
It’s Almost Impossible to Fight Criminal Charges Without an Attorney
Law enforcement and prosecution are extremely powerful. They have the ability to try almost anyone they believe is guilty of a crime. Unfortunately, they are biased against people they believe are guilty. If you try to represent yourself in court, the judge will not take your side. He or she will take the side of the prosecution because that is the way our legal system is set up. This is unfair, but it is the truth. Your attorney, on the other hand, is unbiased. He or she will fight for you and do everything possible to protect your rights and help you avoid a conviction. Without an attorney, it is almost impossible to win your case.
Ensuring you have a voice
When you arrive at court, you are expected to be silent and let your attorney speak on your behalf. This is fine because your attorney knows the case better than you do. However, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so that he or she can speak on your behalf while there is still time to get your case dismissed. Your attorney will be able to review all of the evidence against you and point out any errors or omissions in the prosecution’s case. Your attorney will also be able to file a motion to dismiss your case. This is a written request to have the charges against you dropped.
