If you are charged with a crime, you will be well served by obtaining a lawyer. Whether you decide to plead guilty or not guilty, representation or advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer would change the outcome of your case. Here are some reasons why you should work with a lawyer once charged with a crime.
Community Pressure
Politics, values, and community pressure play a significant role in criminal cases today. For example, the judge serving in the court must serve the interest of the community for re-election. Moreover, prosecutors must show their efficiency in work, and the police who arrest you want to see you charged and punished.
In addition, the public members would want to see the courts getting tough on some cases. Our courts are expected to be immune to such pressures, but that is not the case. Because of this, it is essential to be represented by an experienced lawyer who knows how this pressure may affect your case and how to deal with them.
Protects You From Risk Exposure
Being represented by a criminal lawyer saves you from being exposed to risks that may be disastrous and affect your entire life. These risks include:
- Being fired once your boss finds out you have a criminal record.
- Your data or DNA being placed in the national database.
- Getting a jail sentence when you should not.
- Losing your driver’s license, which you can’t survive without.
- Being incorrectly or falsely charged and sent to prison when you should not.
Proper Presentation of Your Bail Application
No one wants to get remanded when their cases are being finalized or awaiting trial. Once you present your bail application and the court fails to release you, that application cannot be reheard in the same court. It is thus essential to find an experienced lawyer to help you prepare and present your bail application.
Proper Presentation of Evidence
Rules of evidence are very complex and need an experienced lawyer to handle that part. If you are charged with a crime and a lawyer does not represent you, you will be forced to ask the question, which in most cases may not apply to the set rules of evidence. Thus, you may be met with interruptions and discontinued from asking questions. It is vital to be represented by a good lawyer who will know which questions to ask and how to frame them when questioning witnesses.
There are many complicated procedures in the courts today. Once charged with a crime, there is a higher chance you will get falsely convicted if you decide to represent yourself in court. It is essential to hire an experienced lawyer to represent you, and this way, you will have a smooth experience
Author information: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2.
