The Council on Criminal Justice states that in 2024, homicides dropped by 16% compared to the previous year. The FBI reported criminal homicide down by 11.6% from the previous year in 2023.
Despite these drops in criminal activity, a significant portion of Americans still believe that crime is a major issue in the country. According to Savannah criminal attorney Jarrett Maillet, having a criminal record has drastic repercussions in your life. This is why you need a criminal defense lawyer to assist you in a strategic manner to protect your rights if you are accused of any crime.
Let’s find out how a criminal defense lawyer can assist you in defending your case.
Understanding Your Lawyer’s Role
Your criminal attorneys will be your primary advocates, strategists, and legal advisers throughout your case’s entire legal proceedings.
Medical marijuana lawyer James E. Silverstein says all American citizens have constitutional rights when arrested for any felony. Their civil rights protect them from unjust treatment by the police.
When you schedule an initial consultation with your potential lawyer, you must bring the lawyer all relevant documents including police reports, court documents, and so on. Explain what happened in detail to prevent misunderstandings.
Evaluate how much knowledge the lawyer has about cases similar to yours. Ask the lawyer how he or she intends to proceed with and win your case. You can also discuss the fees for their service.
Hiring a criminal lawyer immediately can help you uphold your rights and defend yourself. Criminal lawyers must possess both the ability and experience in handling criminal matters. They are positioned to analyze evidence with which the prosecution has charged you to find weaknesses in their case so that they can build up a strong case for you.
The criminal defense attorney can also negotiate on your behalf and fairly present your case in court.
Developing a Defense Strategy
Plan out a defense strategy for your case with your criminal attorney. You and your attorney can review the police reports, witness statements, and other evidence against you.
Your defense lawyer may talk about their defense strategy, which might include constructing an alibi, illegal search and seizure, or self-defense.
Alternative sentences or plea bargains could potentially be negotiated in light of causing the most favorable outcomes, depending on the case. Learn what to expect in each step as you and your attorney progress with the case.
Communication Throughout the Case
Develop an open and upfront conversation with your attorney early on. Always keep your attorney updated on every detail about the case, including rather trivial ones, since it may impact defense strategies. Tell your lawyer how you would like your updates, either by email or phone calls.
Follow your lawyer’s advice to make sure that the defense strategies you pursue will be effective. Your cooperation helps the defense. Do not hold back any concerns from your attorney, who will do their best to fit their strategies into your concerns.
Dealing with Court Proceedings
It may hold a hearing whereby you go with your attorney to the trial court stage to either seek a dismissal of the charges or to enter into negotiations for a plea.
Your attorney will prepare you for the whole process of the trial, including possible juror appointment, a witness taking the stand, or how you would give testimony.
The attorney will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for you before the jury during the trial. Your actions may depend on the feelings of the jury at the hour, so keep your composure.
Remember, having the right criminal lawyer by your side all thoughout the proceedings allows you to have peace of mind and ease your worries about what might happen to you. Do your best to cooperate and heed to your lawyer’s advice.