Do I Need a Criminal Attorney?

When accused with a crime, the repercussions might be severe. Here are some of the ways a criminal lawyer may assist you.

What you will discover:

What Does a Criminal Attorney Do?
How Do I Determine Whether I Need a Criminal Lawyer?
How Much Does a Criminal Attorney Charge?
What Can I Expect When I Hire a Criminal Lawyer?

When accused with a crime, the repercussions might be severe. It is often advisable to meet with a criminal lawyer so that they can evaluate your case and advice you on how to continue. Criminal attorneys may often specialize in a variety of areas that might benefit both you and your case. Before you engage into a relationship with an attorney, you should know what to anticipate.

What Does a Criminal Attorney Do?

Criminal lawyers will defend you if you are charged with one of two types of crimes: misdemeanors or felonies.

Misdemeanors are less severe accusations that may result in a fine or imprisonment for less than a year.

Felonies are more severe, and if convicted, you might spend more than a year in jail or even the death sentence.

How Do I Determine Whether I Need a Criminal Lawyer?

Because both felonies and misdemeanors may result in jail time, you should see an attorney if you are charged with any of the following:

Misdemeanors:

Petty thievery
Prostitution
Intoxication in public
A straightforward attack
Unruly behavior
Vandalism Trespass
Unsafe driving
Cannabis possession
Possession of certain other substances for the first time

Felonies

Murder, rape, kidnapping, treason, and/or aggravated assault and/or battery
Burglary/Arson Robbery
Various types of deception
Intention to distribute certain kinds and/or amounts of prohibited substances
Possession of specific illicit drugs
Grand theft or grand larceny?

Because this is not an exhaustive list, you should speak with a criminal lawyer even if your situation is not stated here.

How Much Does a Criminal Attorney Charge?

Criminal attorneys often charge a fixed fee or an hourly rate plus a retainer. A retainer is a fee paid in advance that is applied to what you owe the lawyer. Rates will vary based on the severity of the charges and where you reside, so be sure to negotiate a cost ahead of time.

What Can I Expect When I Hire a Criminal Lawyer?

A criminal defense attorney will do everything possible to establish your innocence or, at the very least, reduce your punishment.

If your attorney believes you will lose the case, he may encourage you to settle out of court, which normally results in a lesser or softer sentence.

If you wind up in court and are charged with a felony, your defense attorney may try to establish your innocence, reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, obtain you a reduced term, or put you in a better institution. For a misdemeanor, your counsel will argue that fines or community service are preferable to prison time.

Although there is no assurance that the result will be beneficial to you, it is a good idea to retain a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the court system. A lawyer’s assistance can considerably improve your prospects of decreasing your sentence or winning your case.