Stay Out of Trouble: 5 Common Reasons You Would Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer
No one ever wants to need a criminal defense lawyer in their life, but unfortunately, it’s something that can happen. In fact, the legal profession is expected to grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026. That means that the need for criminal defense lawyers is growing as well.
While there are some obvious reasons for needing a criminal defense lawyer, some others may not be so obvious. You can find yourself charged with a crime in unclear circumstances, and that can be difficult to handle. It’s much easier to meditate on ways to move forward with a professional by your side.
To know when you need to spring for a criminal defense lawyer, make sure to check out these 5 common reasons they are needed.
1. They Know the Law
There is a good reason why a criminal defense attorney studies for years before entering the legal profession – United States law is extremely complicated.
Although you may pour yourself into your cases and attempt to learn everything about it, there’s no making up for the years that the prosecution has studied law.
Without prior knowledge, especially in a law school setting, the odds of winning your case greatly suffer.
2. They Know Court Procedures
If you represent yourself, not only do you need to navigate the maze of law, but you also need to know the countless, meticulous court procedures.
These procedures involve substantial paperwork in dense legalese, strict deadlines, and other heavy tasks that monopolize your time. This is why criminal defense attorneys work full-time, and often overtime.
3. Self-Representation Can Cost You
Most people avoid hiring a criminal defense lawyer because of the cost. The ironic part is that self-representation can also cost you.
If you are not completely aware of the seemingly endless and specific court procedures, you can easily miss deadlines. In the legal realm, making mistakes leads to fees and fines that can add up to the cost of a professional attorney.
4. Handling Evidence
Criminal defense lawyers often scrutinize the handling of evidence in their cases, and this is crucial to a good defense. It’s likely that you won’t have the same ability since you don’t work closely with police on a daily basis.
A professional lawyer can spot the tiniest mistake in handling evidence, which will greatly increase your odds of winning the case.
5. It’s All About Who You Know
Not only do criminal defense attorneys work closely with people, but also with material experts, judges, prosecutors, and clerks. It’s much easier to defeat an opponent when you know that opponent.
Hiring a licensed attorney will give you advantages that you could never achieve if you live and work outside the legal profession.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer can be a daunting task, but it can also be necessary. If you find yourself in some legal trouble, consider these reasons for hiring a professional.
No one wants to navigate an intimidating court case by themselves. The hefty legal bill that comes after may be worrisome, but that is sometimes the price of freedom.
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