Four Reasons You Should Not Face Criminal Charges Without a Defense Attorney
There are many reasons why you should consult with an attorney who practices criminal defense. Some of the reasons may be obvious, but there are some reasons that many people do not consider. Below are four of the reasons why we urge you to contact our law firm to speak with an attorney. You deserve to have someone with legal experience protecting your legal rights. The state has a legal professional to represent its interests; you deserve the same.
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Emotionally Neutral Party
Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about fighting for the legal rights of our clients. However, we also face reality and help our clients face reality when necessary. When it is your life, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the various emotions associated with being arrested and facing jail time. You need an attorney who will fight aggressively, but who will also be honest and provide a reality check, if necessary to ensure emotions do not interfere with building a strong defense strategy.
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The Costs of a Guilty Plea
The prosecutor may try to convince you that it will be less costly to plead guilty than to hire an attorney to fight the charges. However, there could be hidden costs of a guilty plea that you might not understand. It is not the prosecutor’s job to inform you of certain consequences such as losing your right to vote or own a firearm. You could also be required to pay expensive fees to probation officers or enroll in a drug or alcohol course. A criminal defense attorney understands these hidden costs and can give you the guidance you need to ensure you are not blindly led to a guilty plea without understanding the full consequences of that decision.
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Plea Bargains and Negotiations
If you know you are guilty, you can still fight the charges and potentially receive a reduced sentence. An experienced criminal defense lawyer is a skilled trial attorney, but he is also a talented negotiator. Because an attorney understands the law and has experience trying cases in court, he has a better grasp on whether a plea bargain is a good “deal” for you than you would have on your own.
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Sentencing Hearings
Whether you plead guilty or you are found guilty after a trial, you are not finished. You still need to go before a judge to be sentenced. In some cases, you may have the opportunity at a sentencing hearing to present evidence to mitigate your sentence. The judge may have wide discretion in determining your sentence. A criminal defense lawyer can help you argue for the minimum penalty possible.
Call an Erie Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or you are being investigated, you need an attorney to stand beside you to fight for a fair and just outcome. You do not want to face a prosecutor or judge alone. Before you do anything else, call our law firm to discuss your case with an experienced Erie criminal defense attorney.
Contact The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to request a free legal consultation with an Erie criminal defense lawyer.