Being charged with a crime can be very stressful, especially if you are facing potential jail time or costly fines. Although some individuals may think that they can represent themselves and save money on attorney fees, those who decide to work with a defense attorney overwhelmingly succeed in securing more favorable outcomes. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help ensure that the charges are reduced in severity or even dismissed altogether. Even if this is your first criminal offense, you can still benefit from the advice and services of a knowledgeable attorney. Let’s take a closer look at four reasons that first-time offenders should work with an attorney.
1.Practical Experience
While there are several books on how to represent yourself in court, and information on this topic abounds on the internet, not all of these sources contain accurate information. Most of this material may not be relevant to your particular case, and it can be time-consuming to sift through this content while you cope with the additional anxiety of facing criminal charges. An attorney can offer years of practical experience, and you can trust that they will be able to develop a customized and effective legal strategy. When you spend money on a defense attorney, you are paying for their knowledge and ability to advise you on the best path forward. In effect, you are saving your valuable time while receiving time-tested expertise and reassurance during this challenging time.
2. Handling the Prosecution
Prosecutors will typically seek the most severe charges possible based on the details of the case. When you are representing yourself, it can be difficult to negotiate a fair outcome with these legal professionals, as they have years of experience and a deep understanding of the nuances of the law. A criminal defense attorney understands the tactics of the prosecution and knows how to work with them in order to secure a less severe outcome. Facing the aggressive prosecutors on your own can be quite intimidating, so let your attorney protect your rights while you try to remain calm and focused on your future.
3.Protection From Societal Pressures
Many cases are heavily influenced by societal factors, such as recent cases, shifting values, and whether a judge is up for re-election. For example, prosecutors may suddenly decide to pursue cases involving opioids, as America is currently struggling with this crisis and the nation is watching how our criminal justice system is responding to this cultural moment. A defense attorney will work to protect you from the multiple ways these outside factors could influence the course of your case.
4.Strengthening Your Case
Defense attorneys have a vast number of valuable connections to investigators and other professionals who can help them gather evidence on your behalf. If you believe the charges against you are unfounded, or that someone is blatantly lying while accusing you of committing a crime, your attorney can hire an investigator to gather and document evidence that discredits prosecution witnesses. The more information you are able to gather that shows how these charges lack substance, the greater your chances are of having them dropped. Gathering evidence is exceptionally difficult to do on your own, so working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to ensure that you receive the support you need.
Get Started Today
If you or someone you love is currently facing criminal charges in Indiana, reach out to Ooley Law today by calling (812) 567-3848. Our dedicated and experienced criminal defense attorneys will listen to your concerns and help you pursue a favorable outcome.
