Here are 5 top reasons why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to help defend your case.
Whether you are at fault or innocent, being charged with a crime can be stressful and emotional.
An overwhelming flood of worry and negative emotions can make you feel that there is no way out when you are charged with a criminal offense. But with the help of a seasoned Florida criminal defense lawyer, you’ll have many different options for your case. The legal system is designed to be black and white, but the processes are not as cut and dry. Having someone whose job it is to know the legal system inside and out will help you successfully navigate your case and legal strategy.
The entire process is littered with piles of paperwork, questions to answer, and evidence to gather, which can quickly get confusing, especially if you are new to the system. A minor mistake, at any point in the process, could shift the outcome to a greater sentence or increased fine.
It is highly beneficial to have a criminal defense lawyer who can plan a smart defense strategy, know when (or if) you should accept a plea bargain, or proceed to trial.
5 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Here are five major benefits of hiring a criminal defense attorney who can alleviate some of your stress and defend your case.
#1: Extensive Knowledge in Criminal Law
Hiring a professional in any area of your life is beneficial. For example, if you need a new roof, you would hire a roofer; if you need heart surgery, you would have a heart surgeon perform the operation.
Likewise, when you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in Florida, you should seek help and hire a criminal defense attorney. They have extensive knowledge in criminal law and legal procedures, and can walk you through each step of your case.
#2: Well-Connected with People & Procedures
When you have worked or immersed yourself in an industry for so many years, from schooling to career, you learn the ins and outs of the system and have networked with higher ups and colleagues in that industry.
The legal system is no different. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will have tried several cases in that county and will know how particular prosecutors, judges, or officers may act or behave in particular circumstances. Having this knowledge and these connections helps them to plan and navigate your defense strategy.
#3: Help You Avoid Hefty Penalties
It is a prosecutor’s job to represent the Government and bring criminal charges on behalf of the people of his State. Their goal is to get a favorable outcome for the State and win their case. In some instances, a prosecutor may even want to teach you a lesson and make you pay for what you are being accused of – guilty or not.
Your defense attorney will use evidentiary support and every legal means to ensure you get a fair trial and penalty, which may result in a reduced sentence or fine.
#4: Sufficient Resources to Handle Your Case
A criminal defense attorney will have the staff and resources needed to handle your case efficiently and effectively. They have the expertise and know-how to gather evidence, find and question witnesses, prepare your best legal strategy, create back-up plans, and utilize court resources.
#5: Can Save You Time
Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can not only provide you with knowledge and strategy but can also save you time, from completing paperwork to acting on next steps as quickly and efficiently as possible. They can foresee any challenges and plan accordingly.
Which Criminal Defense Lawyer Will You Trust With Your Case?
Without proper legal representation, you may be putting your future and freedoms at risk. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer in the Port St. Lucie or Stuart area can help you build the best strategy to protect and preserve your constitutional rights.
Being charged with a crime, or even questioned about one, can be a scary and stressful experience. Many people don’t know what they should do next, especially if this is their first encounter with the legal system. In most situations, the sooner you contact an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney, the better, even if you have not yet been charged with a crime. If you’ve been contacted by the police and feel they might consider you a suspect in their investigation, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer for your case before speaking with the police.
If you are in South Florida and searching for an experienced criminal defense attorney near you, contact Apfelbaum Law to help you defend your case.