Being charged with a crime following an arrest can bring about some serious repercussions. In addition to dealing with the stress of court proceedings, you could face hefty fines, a marred reputation, license suspension, imprisonment and other consequences. Your best bet is to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible following your arrest. Why, you ask? Consider these five facts about criminal defense attorneys to find out.
Criminal Defense Fact #1: Rising Conviction Rates
Over the last couple of decades, the likelihood of an arrest leading to a conviction has risen overall, according to the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics. A good defense attorney will fight to protect the defendant’s rights and do everything in his or her power to guard against conviction. Of course, the probability of not getting convicted depends on the crime committed and the evidence presented.
Criminal Defense Fact #2: Protecting Rights
The fact that somebody is charged with a crime doesn’t grant permission to treat him or her with disrespect or take away his or her rights. Defendants have civil rights just like everyone else, and it is up to defense attorneys to protect those rights and ensure their clients have the opportunity to contend their cases.
Criminal Defense Fact #3: The Burden of Truth
In criminal defense cases, the defendant has no burden of proof, meaning he or she doesn’t have to present evidence or testify on his or her own behalf. The burden falls solely on the shoulders of the district attorney. But a criminal defense attorney can present all viable evidence, refute the prosecutor’s arguments and counter debatable assertions of truth presented by the prosecution. This being the case, it is essential to expeditiously contact a criminal defense attorney when faced with criminal charges.
Criminal Defense Fact #4: Good Advice is Priceless
In addition to arguing on their clients’ behalf, good defense attorneys will advise defendants about multiple facets of their case. Attorneys have the responsibility to inform their clients about their rights and advise them about what to say and what not to say during court proceedings. They also weigh in on matters like: the best courses of action, whether or not their clients should accept plea bargains and whether to forego a trial by jury. Put simply, a defense attorney has exponentially more insight and expertise than their clients when it comes to criminal law, so it’s prudent to seek an attorney who’s well versed in this area of law.
Criminal Defense Fact #5: Making the Important Decisions
Not only do defense attorneys provide legal counsel and representation, but they can also determine which witnesses to call upon and also weigh in on how they should be examined. Similarly, defense attorneys help to decide which potential jurors, if any, might be biased against their clients and have them removed from the jury.
Key Takeaways
Choosing to represent yourself or handle your case on your own could prove to be one of worst decisions you could make in a criminal defense case. If you ever find yourself facing criminal charges or in a position where you could benefit from sound counsel and representation, contact Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant sooner rather than later. Our top-rated, highly experienced criminal defense attorney will be glad to offer his expertise and assist you in any way he can. Simply call us at (940) 387-3518, or contact us here.
