Skip to content

Criminal Defense

Do I Need A Lawyer When I’m Charged With A Crime?

4 min read
Philip Ahn, Attorney

by Philip Ahn, Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges, hiring a lawyer with experience in criminal law is highly recommended. A criminal lawyer can provide legal representation in court and defend your rights. Prosecutors have extensive resources; having a lawyer on your side can help level the playing field and ensure a fair trial. Additionally, criminal attorneys can provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the legal process.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Understand the Criminal Justice System

Attorneys can examine documents, investigate a case, and contribute legal research. They are well-versed in:

  • Criminal law
  • Federal and state statutes
  • Local court customs
  • Important legal nuances, including federal appellate court opinions and judicial interpretations

Attorneys Can Impact the Prosecutor’s Discretion In Deciding Whether Or Not To Press Charges Against You

Having an attorney can significantly impact a prosecutor’s discretion in deciding whether or not to press charges against you, especially if you’ve been charged with a crime by police officers. Through their investigation, your lawyer may uncover evidence that could lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you. An experienced attorney can:

  • Provide a strong defense
  • Challenge prosecution witnesses
  • Negotiate plea bargains
  • Argue for reduced charges and sentencing programs ultimately helping to reduce the likelihood of receiving a prison sentence for violent crimes or pleading guilty as a self-represented defendant.

When facing charges that tend to rely heavily on the testimony of prosecution witnesses, your attorney has the option to dispute or contest the presented evidence and cross-examine them. You need a lawyer to help address the potentially damaging information the prosecution witness told the court and to ease the anxiety and fear people accused of crime experience.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Engage In Plea Bargaining

When you hire a lawyer, they can use their skills by:

  • Plea bargaining with prosecutors
  • Negotiating reduced charges or lesser sentences on your behalf, especially if you’re facing criminal charges filed by a police officer or the prosecution’s case is strong
  • Examining documents and providing an objective perspective
  • An attorney can help you avoid the possible hidden costs and fear of jail time associated with self-representation while protecting your specific legal rights and providing real authority in criminal cases involving a vast array of crimes.

Defense Lawyers Can Engage The Services Of Specialists

A lawyer can engage the services of specialists, including investigators and expert witnesses, to bolster their client’s case and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This potentially leads to a better outcome than a plea bargain or self-representation for charges that tend to involve testimony from witnesses or defendants who have pleaded guilty.

Furthermore, when faced with the fear of filing charges and navigating the complex legal system, it is essential to hire an attorney with a legal team to provide help tailored to your client’s specific needs and protect against the tactics of prosecutors seeking to obtain a conviction.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Will Consistently Keep Track Of The Progress Of Your Case

An attorney will consistently keep track of the progress of your case, especially if you’re facing criminal charges that tend to involve testimony from prosecution witnesses or require a guilty plea, to ensure that you don’t miss important court deadlines.

A Criminal Lawyer Can Give You A Truthful Assessment Of Your Situation

If you are charged with a crime, hiring a criminal lawyer can provide you with a truthful assessment of your situation, which can be critical in understanding the potential consequences and navigating the complex legal process.

Criminal charges tend to rely on the testimony of witnesses and pressing charges. Such time-consuming activities can be overwhelming for a self-represented person or someone without prior experience with criminal law.

Addressing Your Criminal Charges with a Defense Attorney

Are you currently facing criminal charges? If so, it’s essential to consider hiring a defense attorney who can provide valuable guidance throughout the legal process, help you understand your rights and options, and offer a strong defense strategy.

Without legal representation, you may run the risk of making critical mistakes that could lead to severe consequences, including substantial fines, imprisonment, and the creation of a permanent criminal record that may have adverse effects on your future opportunities and employability. A skilled defense attorney can diligently work to safeguard your rights, engage in negotiations with prosecutors, and strive for the best possible outcome for your case.

It’s worth noting that the attorneys we collaborate with understand the financial strain associated with legal fees. Therefore, they offer payment plans to make their services more accessible, allowing you to manage the costs more effectively.

However, it’s important to understand that no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome in your case. The legal process is intricate and influenced by various factors. By consulting with a defense attorney, you can gain a better understanding of your legal rights and options, and they can assist you in building a solid defense against the criminal charges you are facing.

If you’re seeking legal support to navigate your criminal charges, we encourage you to contact a defense attorney to discuss your case and explore the available options.

Related Blog Posts


Ready to Talk to a Lawyer?

Receive a free consultation with a more affordable lawyer in your local area