why you need a defense attorney

by Dulce Nikolaus 4 min read

One of the top reasons to become a defense attorney is because you have the chance to protect the rights of others. Laws require that prosecutors gather enough evidence to present to a judge and jury that proves without a reasonable doubt that a suspected criminal is guilty.

A good attorney may be able to get your charges reduced, your penalties lessened, or even get your case dismissed due to police errors while illegally obtaining evidence against you. By reducing your charges, they can keep a felony off your criminal record and keep you from jeopardizing your career.

Full Answer

What are the duties of a defense attorney?

 · You Want A Criminal Defense Attorney On Your Side The ramifications of any criminal charge can be catastrophic. Worst case, you could be sentenced to significant time in prison. You could be fined thousands of dollars. Your reputation could suffer long-term damage. You could lose your job, your relationships, your future and your liberty. A

What are the four duties of a defense counsel?

 · When you hire a criminal defense lawyer or criminal attorneys to work on your case and pay them what they deserve, you will get stellar and superior service. Choose a Defense Lawyer, Keep Your Future Open When you choose a defense lawyer to represent you, it is the same as hiring any other professional.

How to be a good defense attorney?

Why You Need a Defense Attorney If You Are Charged With a Crime, Who Is Working for Your Defense? If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it can be a frightening moment. You may not understand all of the charges you are facing and you may not know where to turn. You may wonder why you need a defense attorney.

What is the job description of a defense attorney?

 · As someone who has never been a crim­inal defense attor­ney, here’s how I would answer: Anyone—every­one—is entitled to a defense, and to a lawyer, because our rule of law is based upon the premise that the State must prove its case against a person beyond a reas­on­able doubt and because the history of the world, and of Amer­ica, teaches us that the …

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Why You Need a Defense Lawyer Instead of Public Defense

It's neither fun nor productive to be accused of a crime and have to go to trial. What is even less fun and productive is to be assigned a public defender for your case that isn't going to give you the best service possible and help you get off.

Find Someone Who Specializes in Your Case

We completely understand if you don't have the money to hire a criminal defense lawyer and decide to go with a public defender, but you must ask yourself: what if they don't specialize in your case? For example, if you've been accused of domestic violence combined with a DUI, do they know how to take care of both? Their specialty might be in property violations or antitrust laws, so during their pro bono tenure they are completely out of their element.

They Simply Don't Have the Time

Everyone in this world has a limited number of time and resources. Like it or not, when you choose public defense for your trial you will be simply a number on the docket of the pro bono attorney that has chosen to take up your case. On average a public defender has 25% less time to devote to a case than is necessary to do a thorough job.

No Financial Incentive to Go Above and Beyond

Many people don't want to hear this, but when you hire a defense lawyer vs. a public defender, you are giving a financial incentive to do a good job. Whatever your line of work is, everyone wants to be compensated for their time and effort accordingly so that it's worth their while to get up in the morning.

Choose a Defense Lawyer, Keep Your Future Open

When you choose a defense lawyer to represent you, it is the same as hiring any other professional. Just like how you wouldn't choose a random relative to fix your plumbing (and would hire a plumber instead), it's better to let those who specialize in an area of law help you get off with grace.

The Prosecutor Is Not on Your Side

In the criminal justice system, the state has two entities working to convict individuals: the police and the prosecutors. The police investigate and arrest those accused and the prosecutors work to obtain convictions. The prosecutor wants you convicted.

Experience That Matters

Our lawyer has helped over 700 clients. Working with that many clients means he has real-world, courtroom experience with a vast range of criminal charges. It also means he has opposed many prosecutors and understands much of how they think and build their cases. It is also important for your attorney to have experience with a variety of judges.

A Holistic Approach

Our firm knows that some charges are the result of difficulties in your life. You may have a substance addiction or other personal issues. Maybe you have fallen in with the wrong crowd.

Let Us Help You

At Dutton & Dutton Law Firm, LLC in Griffin, we know how to protect your rights and work for the best resolution available in your case. Call now at 770-229-5959 or contact us by email.

What does it mean to be a defense attorney?

Defense attorneys—at least the ones I have met and spoken with over the past 17 years—have different ways of expressing how they can “represent those people” but their explanations always boil down to the same essence: to be a defense attorney is to be a instrument that reduces the great imbalance that exists in the relationship between the government and the governed. In “defending those people,” the guilty and the innocent, the righteous and the profane, defense attorneys are eternally challenging the State to be fairer, more accurate, and more just. That may not be your choice of career but that doesn’t make it an ignoble one.

Who was the defense attorney who defended the Khmer Rouge?

Promote Fair Courts. It surely is a sign of some great cosmic conspiracy that Jacques Verges, one of the most famous defense attorneys of all time, a man who unapologetically defended the Khmer Rouge, Carlos the Jackal, and countless other international villains and rogues, would die the very same week that Abbe Smith and Monroe H.

Who said "Someone does have to do it"?

The words of Clarence Darrow, the greatest American defense attorney, sadly are not included in Smith and Freedman’s book.

Can defense attorneys represent people?

Defense attorneys—at least the ones I have met and spoken with over the past 17 years—have different ways of expressing how they can “represent those people” but their explanations always boil down to the same essence.

What is a criminal defense attorney?

This means that they can assess every aspect of your case and determine what possible outcomes are available given the evidence and circumstances presented. An experienced criminal defense attorney can paint a realistic picture of your possible penalties and what options are available to you to lessen those penalties or accept them as they are. Your attorney will fight when it suits you best, but they will also know when the fight is over so that you can rest and move on with your life. Your lawyer will be able to have those honest conversations with you so you do not continue in an endless trial.

What happens if you don't follow the proper procedures?

Law enforcement has a duty to uphold certain procedures when they are processing an arrest. If they do not follow these proper procedures, this tarnishes your case. A good criminal defense attorney will be able to go through the entire process and make sure that no evidence has been tampered with, no witnesses have been coerced, and nothing else is out of place. Even something simple as the process by which an officer gathers evidence is highly controlled. Your attorney can make sure that they follow the procedure accurately because if they did not, you could have the entire case dismissed.

Why do you need a defense lawyer?

Garfinkel. When implicated in a crime, and the police want to ask you some questions , it is best you first seek advice from a defense attorney. This way, you will know how to respond and avoid unintentionally incriminating yourself. Also, when charged with a crime, a defense lawyer will be present during the investigation, protect your rights, and ensure due process is followed by the authorities.

What does a defense lawyer do when you are defending yourself?

A defense lawyer can argue that the evidence was collected using illegal means, and ensure that evidence is not admissible in court. A good attorney can also analyze a plea deal offered by the prosecution, and advise you whether to accept it, seek a better one, or go to court. Any option that the lawyer recommends will be in your best interest, and he or she will inform you of the possible outcomes involved in each decision you take.

What does it mean to be a criminal defense attorney?

An attorney who focuses on criminal defense has spent years studying and practicing law in this legal area. Their intricate knowledge of the judicial system makes them better prepared and equipped to handle your case. They will guide you each step of the way, and decipher any legal complexities you encounter. If you choose to defend yourself, your efforts may not result in the desired outcome, especially if you are not aware of the legal process.

What is a criminal defense lawyer?

Criminal defense lawyers are legal professionals who represent you in criminal cases. Although you can fight out some small legal matters on your own, it is always best to have the support of a criminal defense attorney. Some cases may seem straightforward on the surface, but they may end up becoming complex and incurring severe consequences. Following are several reasons why you need a defense attorney.

What is a defense strategy?

A defense strategy is a critical aspect of a case. A weak strategy will result in undesirable results, such as a prison sentence or steep fines. A criminal defense lawyer can develop a strategy after listening to your version of events and sifting through the details of the prosecutor’s evidence.

What happens if you get convicted of a crime?

A criminal conviction can bring about extreme consequences that may significantly affect your life. Penalties could include jail time and hefty fines. In addition, you could lose your job and parenting time with your children. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Can a lawyer help you with a court case?

No one wants to be entangled in a lengthy legal case. Sadly, most court cases can take a long time to conclude. This can become stressful and financially costly and reputation-wise. To clear your name and minimize costs, a defense attorney can be instrumental. He or she can take quick actions to mitigate the risks involved, take care of the tedious paperwork, and ensure things are moving along.

What is the role of a defense attorney in criminal justice?

The criminal justice system in America relies heavily on both defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys. Prosecutors are the ones who bring forth evidence to charge a suspected criminal, while a defense attorney attempts to defend that person and show why the individual is not guilty. Working as a defense attorney is a good option ...

Why are defense attorneys bad?

Defense attorneys sometimes have a bad reputation because people think they only help the guilty and that they only work with the wealthy. As a defense attorney, you can select the clients you want to work with every day. Helping the poor and having a flexible schedule are just a few of the reasons to become a defense attorney.

How many hours do defense attorneys work?

You’ll hear about attorneys working 60 hours or more a week and how new lawyers seldom have time for themselves. One of the reasons to become a defense attorney though is that defense attorneys often have more flexible schedules than other lawyers do.

How much do defense attorneys make?

Defense attorneys can make quite a bit of money. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median salary for lawyers is nearly $116,000 a year. Those making the highest salaries are those working for private firms and in private practice.

What do you need to prove to a judge that a suspected criminal is guilty?

Laws require that prosecutors gather enough evidence to present to a judge and jury that proves without a reasonable doubt that a suspected criminal is guilty. As a defense attorney, you need to show that your client is innocent or that there is not enough evidence to prosecute. You essentially protect the rights of clients from criminal ...

A private attorney is always the better choice

Public defenders get a bad rap. There is no question that, on average, public defenders deliver far inferior results versus private defense attorneys. But the poor outcomes that so many clients experience after being assigned a public defender are mostly the fault of the system.

A matter of time

In confrontations with the legal system, spending more time on building a strong defense means spending less time behind bars. The key difference between the defense that one can expect from a public defender versus a private attorney boils down to time. Many public defenders strongly believe in what they do.

Responsiveness

Even for those who aren’t charged with serious felonies, hiring a good private defense lawyer is often well worth the cost. Throughout the U.S. legal system, horror stories abound of people sitting in jail for months due to clerical errors, failure to file timely motions and other simple mistakes.

Cost and attitude

The only downside of hiring a private defense attorney is cost. While public defenders’ services are free, private lawyers may charge significant amounts. But hiring a good defense attorney is nearly always a good investment.

What happens if you don't have an attorney?

If you're not an attorney, you may struggle with the deadlines and protocol for properly filling out and filing certain legal documents. One late or incorrect filing could derail your case, delay a given legal procedure or worse - have the case thrown out altogether (and not in your favor).

What happens if you are not a lawyer?

Even experienced lawyers typically do not represent themselves in court. Also, attorneys tend to specialize in one or more legal practice areas, such as criminal defense or tax law.

What is the disadvantage of being a non-adversarial?

Non-attorneys are generally at a disadvantage when squaring off against opposing counsel or doing business with another party that has legal counsel. As explained above, the law is complicated and an attorney representing your adversary (or even a non-adversarial party entering into a legal agreement with you) will take advantage of this inequity.

Can a lawyer present your strongest case?

Most non-attorneys don't personally know the types of professionals who can help with discovery or challenge evidence or testimony by the opposing party. 6. A Lawyer Can Present Your Strongest Case. Pleading guilty or admitting fault isn't the only choice, even if there's evidence pointing directly at you.

Do I need an attorney for a speeding ticket?

Not every legal matter requires the use of an attorney. Fighting a speeding ticket and going to small claims courts are two examples. However, in many other situations involving a legal dispute, challenge, or deal, you may not wish to chance the risks of going it alone without the advice of an experienced lawyer who can help you out. In fact, while good legal representation may not be cheap, it can help get you out of a number of sticky situations, such as a bad divorce, lost job, or DUI violation.

Can a solid case unravel without a lawyer?

A solid case can quickly unravel without the help of a trained and emotionally detached attorney. Similarly, failing to hire a lawyer when starting a business, reviewing a contract, or embarking on other endeavors with potential legal ramifications can result in otherwise avoidable pitfalls. 2.

What makes a good lawyer?

One of the talents that makes a good lawyer a good lawyer is his or her ability to reach out, contact the right people and get action.

What is an attorney?

An attorney is there to represent the interest of their clients and those interests are best served by by keeping them out of legal trouble, not just merely defending them when they are in the middle of it.

What is the truth about lawyers?

While I love a good lawyer joke as much as the next guy, the truth is that most lawyers are honest, hard-working and knowledgeable professionals that look out for the best interest of their clients. Like doctors, mechanics or accountants they are professionals with an area of expertise and an important service to provide.

Why do people avoid talking to lawyers?

One of the big reasons that people avoid talking with an attorney before it becomes absolutely necessary is cost. TV shows hype up lawyers with high rates and make your lawyers look more expensive than they actually are.

What is a good person to ask who in the area is good?

For example, if you need an accountant to help with your taxes? A lawyer is a good person to ask who in the area is good. Need to file some papers with the local government? A lawyer can usually tell you where to go and what to watch out for.

Can a lawyer give free consultations?

Besides, even if a lawyer is expensive, they likely provide free consultations. In those consultations, they will talk with you about your situation and provide some idea of how they can help and how much it will cost.

Is it a good idea to get a lawyer today?

If you aren’t working with an attorney, today is a great day to get one because tomorrow it may be too late. But, even if there isn’t an urgent need on the horizon, there are still several reasons why it is a great idea to get a lawyer today. Here are a few to consider.

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