A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals and companies charged with criminal offenses. Criminal defense attorneys represent their clients in court and work to ensure that their rights are protected. They may also negotiate with prosecutors to have charges dropped or reduced.
Criminal defense attorneys typically have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Many also complete a law degree. Criminal defense attorneys must be licensed to practice law in the state where they work.
Criminal defense attorneys typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends. They may also travel to meet with clients or to appear in court.
Criminal defense lawyers typically work for a law firm, but some may be self-employed.
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When To Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are charged with a crime, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Even minor crimes like disorderly conduct or trespassing can result in a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
For major crimes like assault and battery, you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence if you are convicted.
What Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Do?
A criminal defense attorney in Idaho Falls can help you understand the charges against you and what your options are. He or she can also represent you in court and help you to get the best possible outcome in your case.
Investigations
One of the first things a criminal defense attorney will do is to investigate the charges against you. He or she will look at the evidence that the prosecutor has and try to find any holes in it. This can help to get the charges against you reduced or even dropped altogether.
Guiding the Defendant
A criminal defense attorney will also be there to guide you through the entire process. He or she will explain what is happening at each step and help you to make the best decisions for your case. He or she will also be there to support you legally.
Defending Clients In Court
Of course, a criminal defense attorney will also defend you in court. He or she will present your side of the story and try to convince the judge or jury that you are not guilty and to pass a not guilty verdict. If you are found guilty, your attorney will work to get you the lightest possible sentence.
Appealing Decisions
If you are not happy with the outcome of your case, your attorney can help you to file an appeal. He or she will work to get the decision overturned and get you a new trial.
Public Vs. Private Defenders
If you cannot afford to hire your own attorney, you may be assigned a public defender. Public defenders are government-funded attorneys who represent defendants who cannot afford to hire their own legal representation.
While public defenders are experienced and qualified attorneys, they often have a large caseload and may not be able to give your case the individualized attention it deserves.
If you are facing serious charges, you may want to research private criminal attorneys. Private attorneys are not government-funded and can therefore devote more time and resources to your case.
What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney
When you are looking for a criminal defense attorney, simply understanding criminal law isn’t enough. There are several things you should also take into account. First, you want to make sure that the attorney you hire is experienced in handling cases like yours.
If you are facing charges of DUI, for example, you want to make sure that the attorney you hire has experience handling DUI cases.
Second, you want to make sure that the attorney you hire is a good fit for you personally. This means that you should feel comfortable communicating with the attorney and that you feel confident in the attorney’s ability to represent you.
Third, you want to make sure that the attorney you hire is affordable. This does not mean that you should choose the cheapest attorney you can find, but you should make sure that the attorney’s fees are reasonable and that you are able to afford the attorney’s services.
Finally, you want to make sure that the attorney you hire is reputable. This means that you should research the attorney’s background and make sure that the attorney has a good reputation in the legal community.
MZJ—Criminal Defense Lawyers You Can Rely On
At MZJ, we have a team of experienced attorneys who are ready to fight for you. We will do everything we can to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you through this difficult time.
