By Jeff Kennedy
If you were charged with a crime, it’s imperative to find a good criminal defense attorney with skill, knowledge and experience. Someone that can build a defense, and help you avoid a conviction. Learn more about what criminal defense attorneys do and the traits you should look for when choosing an attorney.
What Is the Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney?
A defense counsel or defense attorney will represent someone accused of a crime. If the accused cannot afford a criminal defense attorney, a public defender will be assigned to them. The defense attorney will represent those accused of crimes in all court proceedings and legal processes.
Whether the criminal defense attorney is private or court-appointed, they have exactly the same duties and responsibilities. The benefit of a private lawyer instead of a public defender is that a private lawyer will have more time and resources dedicated to your case.
They are also for profit, which means they will want to perform well for their clients, so that they can easily pickup new clients. If they do not perform well, their career will not amount to that of a seasoned professional and the prosecution will not see them as a threat. There is a difference in cost between a new criminal defense attorney and an experienced/successful attorney. You will pay for experience and results.
Some of the main duties of a criminal defense lawyer are:
- Researching the facts
- Investigating cases against their clients
- Negotiating deals with the prosecutors
- Trying to reduce bail, charges, and sentences
- Building a criminal defense stratagey
An effective criminal defense attorney will always try to negotiate a deal. They should be willing to argue on your behalf, and effectively make counteroffers. They also are there to advise and help clients deal with the entire situation, which is normally pretty stressful.
Other responsibilities:
- Examining witnesses
- Helping formulate plea deals
- Analyzing the prosecutor’s case
- Assessing potential sentences
- Reviewing search and seizure procedures
- Gathering evidence
They will also gather witnesses and question them.
When To Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a serious misdemeanor or a felony, it’s recommended that you hire an attorney. The more experienced and skilled, the better the outcome usually. Experience and skill will usually be a deciding factor between jail time, a criminal record or a not guilty verdict. A great criminal defense attorney will help you create a defense strategy to fight the charges against you. A bad criminal defense attorney will often take the first plea deal they get, without fighting on your behalf.
Get in Touch with a Criminal Defense Attorney
Now you have an answer to your question: What do criminal defense attorneys do? While you may not always have to go to trial, having a lawyer who can negotiate pleas on your behalf and represent you in court when necessary is invaluable.
Find out what options may be best for you by speaking with a criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy. Call 817-605-1010 to reach our firm, or fill out the contact form below.