A criminal defense attorney is the person you hire to represent you in a criminal case. Their job is to protect your rights and ensure you don’t say anything incriminating during questioning or a court proceeding.
A good criminal lawyer will have extensive legal training and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. They must also pass a bar exam to become a practicing attorney in your state. They also spend a significant amount of time researching cases and reviewing evidence. This requires a keen eye for spotting inconsistencies, gaps in evidence and other issues that can help your case.
Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case
Once they have a solid understanding of your case and all the relevant laws and statutes, they will begin developing a defense strategy. This may involve investigating the prosecution’s witnesses, rebutting the evidence presented by the prosecutor and even finding expert witnesses to provide additional insight into your case. This part of the process is crucial, and your attorney must be able to present a well-thought out and persuasive argument that will help you prove your innocence.
Some cases don’t go to trial, and your criminal lawyer will work with the prosecutor to try and negotiate a plea deal that could result in reduced charges or a lesser sentence. They must be a skilled negotiator and be able to persuade the judge and jury that you are innocent of the crime. This is an emotionally challenging aspect of the job as well, as it can be hard to balance empathy with objectivity.
