Charged with a crime? You need to know what a criminal attorney can do for you!
For the most part, if you are charged with a crime and can afford a private criminal defense attorney, you should strongly consider hiring one. You chances of managing the damage to your criminal record and getting reduced charges, fines and even jail time are better when you work with a private attorney. If you are, however among the estimated 80% of criminal defendants who cannot afford this service, you still have options. The court may appoint counsel for you known as a public defender. These court-appointed attorneys are public defenders on a government salary or the so-called panel attorneys – local attorneys that a panel chooses. In every criminal case, the defendant can also choose to defend themselves as “pro se” or “pro per” Approximately 2% of defendants choose this option.
What is the role of the criminal defense attorney?
Both private and court-appointed attorneys will help in researching the facts of the case, review all evidence presented in court against their client, and at the same time will negotiate deals with the adversary known as the prosecutor. Among the intended deals are reduced bail, reduced charges, or reduced sentences. Deal-making between attorneys has increased in importance in recent years due to different causes such as overcrowded jails, overloaded court calendars, and public or political pressures.
If you were charged with a crime, a criminal defense attorney can help you whether you are guilty or not. Within the criminal justice system, there is a type of attorney who serves as an adviser, guide, and confidant. This is known as the criminal defense attorney and can be found in two groups: (1) attorneys paid by the government – known as court-appointed; and (2) private attorneys that are paid by the defendant.
Other essential aspects of the criminal defense attorney role include helping formulate a plea, studying the witnesses and the prosecutor’s case, assessing potential sentencing, and the process of judicial decisions. They examine procedures, question witnesses, and collect evidence advising about possible consequences of a plea or conviction – helping the defendant to deal with likely outcomes, frustrations, and fears of being in the midst of the criminal justice system.
How much does a private criminal defense attorney charge?
A key factor when searching for a private criminal defense attorney is assessing the defendant’s financial status to know if one’s fee is affordable. A criminal defense attorney charges on an hourly basis or a fixed fee, so you can expect to pay from $200 an hour or more and are limited to payments that depend on the outcome of the case, otherwise known as “contingency fees”.
Do private attorneys give better representation?
It is a common assumption that private attorneys have advantages over public defenders paid a minimum fee, and this notion leads to thinking that they give better representation. However, many private attorneys are former public defenders or prosecutors, and data indicates that the results for defendants are often the same. Based on studies, defendants represented by private counsel and public defenders fared similarly in conviction rates and although those represented by panel attorneys faired worse, we need to take into account that clients represented by private counsel often have minimal or no prior criminal records, while indigent defendants, represented by public attorneys are twice as likely to repeat their previous actions.
How do I find an attorney for my criminal case?
If you are looking for a private defense attorney the first thing to look for is one that specializes in criminal defense law, and that practices in the jurisdiction where you have your pending charges to be sure that the attorney is familiar with the judges and prosecutors in the area. If you want more information about criminal defense attorneys, visit our home page or contact us – we would love to help you with any inquiries you may have.
