Many people go to court without a lawyer. They think they can defend themselves when arrested for a crime they didn’t do. When you represent yourself in court, it is called “pro se.” If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Even if you are not guilty, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights. Being accused of a criminal offense, even a minor violation, can result in a negative outcome if you don’t have an attorney to assist you.
Yes, the law allows you to represent yourself, but is this in your best interest? This article will discuss why you should hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you in court even if you are not guilty. Many innocent people are arrested, and some are incarcerated even though they are not guilty.
Table of Contents
Evidence is stacked against you
If you have been formally charged with a crime, the prosecutor feels they have enough evidence to incarcerate you. Prosecutors are trained to find incriminating evidence to use against you. They think you are guilty even if you know you are not guilty. Their job is to put you away. You need an attorney who can reveal the truth and have the charges dropped.
Your attorney is with you from the beginning to the end
Once you have been arrested and charged with a crime, don’t answer any questions. Call an attorney even if you know you are innocent. It is worth the cost. Hire an attorney with experience in the area of law in which you were arrested. They understand the legal process and what to expect. The attorney will educate you on your rights and advise you on what to do next. They will monitor the procedures and ensure that everything is done correctly. The attorney will go over your options and give advice. They will fight for your innocence, so you don’t go to jail.
Education
Whatever state you are in, the laws can be complicated. What you might know about the laws in one state may not apply to the state you are in. Your attorney knows the system and the laws of the state. They have gone through a four-year undergraduate program, three years of law school, and a Juris Doctorate degree. Then they must pass the state bar exam before they can practice.
Experience
Your familiarity with the case is not enough. You may not have had much experience going to court, even for a traffic ticket. Your criminal defense attorney has the experience, knowledge, and training that you lack. They know the legal system and court rules and procedures. They have many years of experience dealing with other lawyers, police officers, prosecutors, judges, and juries. Experienced attorneys know what to expect. They know how to communicate with others that are involved in your case.
The right strategy
Experienced criminal defense lawyers know what defense will work in your case and what won’t. Select an attorney that has experience with the type of crime you have been charged with. They will know the ins and outs when dealing with that type of crime. Selecting the right strategy will make a difference in your case.
Avoid self-incriminating
There are times when law enforcement and a prosecutor can ask seemly innocent questions, but in reality, they could be traps to cause you to self-incriminate yourself. Your attorney can protect and help you so you don’t make self-incriminating statements. They will advise you when to speak and when not to. They will help prepare you for court so that you can be familiar with the types of questions you will be asked.
Conclusion
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is essential that you seek legal representation as soon as possible, especially if you are not guilty. Your future is at stake. Statistics are not on your side. There are many innocent people in jail because they choose not to hire an attorney. Compare the cost of an attorney against the years you could be incarcerated even if you are not guilty with no income for a very long time. You need a criminal defense attorney no matter how innocent you are.
Keep in mind the saying that “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”
Featured Image by 4711018 from Pixabay
