The Reasons You Need a Criminal Attorney

You are in a tight situation — a very serious one. You have been arrested, gone before the court, spoken with your criminal attorney. Condolences on the fact of your pending criminal case. If you are in custody, you are entitled to a court-appointed lawyer or public defender, no matter how much money you make. As you now know, an arrest is just the start of a long, complicated process. If you were arrested and taken directly into custody, it probably felt like you were plucked out of the life you thought you were going to lead.)  You had your clothing replaced with an ill-fitting jumpsuit with orange colors that almost hide the stains.  

A Criminal Attorney Understands the Law and Legal Procedures Better than You

Let’s be honest here. You could spend a few years trying to understand the section of the law that applies to your case, as well as sub-sections and any changes over the years. When you’re fighting any kind of legal case, there is a mountain of paperwork, proper legal procedures, court documents, deadlines and other stuff that can be very time-consuming and stressful to deal with on your own. An attorney, on the other hand, has invested those years already and keeps abreast with changes and modifications in the law too. Use their training to your benefit, since their education has prepared them for this battle better than you. Attorneys are well-versed with these, so they know what kind of documents you need to bring on a certain day, how to file a plea bargain correctly and much more, saving you the time and trouble.

A Criminal Attorney Will Communicate with Other Involved Parties

If another party is involved in your case, there is a great chance that you will not want to communicate with them. They can use any of your words against you and it is not in your best interest. A criminal attorney will be able to do the talking for you. A criminal attorney will be able to talk to witnesses and find the necessary evidence to help your case. Witnesses might not be open to talking about your case right away, but the attorney will be able to make them feel more secure.

A Criminal Attorney Will Be Honest to the Courts

A criminal attorney, like all legal counsels, is an officer of the court and owes a duty of frankness to judges and juries. He or she may not knowingly make representations to courts that are untruthful. He or she is obligated to be as honest as possible when communicating with courts. He or she cannot support clients who commit perjury. Criminal attorneys must take reasonable steps to remedy known perjury by clients, which may include lawfully breaking attorney-client privilege to report it.

Your criminal attorney can also discuss the pros and cons of pleading guilty, especially when a plea bargain may be on the table. He or she can also assist with the standard steps of a criminal trial, from jury selection to providing opening statements to questioning witnesses. And if your trial does not go in your favor, criminal defense attorneys can assist you with the appeals process. If you have further questions about what a criminal attorney can do for you, schedule a consultation with one.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm
10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com