If you have been charged with a crime, having a criminal defense attorney can make a world of difference. With the appropriate legal counsel, you have a powerful advocate fighting for your rights. But many people wonder what a criminal defense attorney does, so our legal team at Golden Key Law Group wants to make a clear case.
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Top Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney in Pinellas County, FL
Here are 10 ways a criminal defense attorney can help your case:
1. They Conduct a Critical, Detailed Interview
The initial interview with you is the first critical action in fighting for your rights. A criminal defense attorney in Pinellas County discovers the details surrounding what happened to determine the various strengths and weaknesses of the case. This provides extremely valuable information in mounting a defense and helps an attorney start strategizing on how to proceed with your case.
2. They Perform a Thorough Investigation
Just like the police and prosecution do before bringing charges against you, a criminal defense attorney will perform a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case. This can include speaking to police about the particular procedures used during the arrest, talking to witnesses, and gathering additional evidence to determine potential strategies for moving forward. With a thorough investigation, an attorney will be able to advise you whether lesser charges or even acquittal is a possibility.
3. They Analyze the Evidence
After the interview and investigation, the criminal defense attorney will perform a thorough analysis of the evidence. This includes preparing any defenses you may have and building case strategies. Having your own attorney do this will give them insight into what the prosecution may be planning.
4. They Assist with Jury Selection
If your case goes to trial, your criminal defense attorney will help select the jurors. This is another crucial duty that your legal advisor has that can make a difference in the outcome of the case. An attorney has several tools that can help ensure that your impaneled jury is not biased against you. A criminal defense attorney will know how to best use those tools to help select a jury that will be more sympathetic to your case.
5. They Negotiate with the Prosecutor
Another important way that a criminal defense attorney can help is by utilizing strategy and strong communication skills to attempt to get a plea bargain. These negotiations with the prosecutor may result in a reduction of the charges against you and/or a reduction in penalties, including potential fines, incarceration, length of probation, and more.
6. They Fight Hard for You During the Trial
If the case against you goes to trial, your criminal defense attorney will fight hard to convince the jury that the prosecutor did not prove the case to find you guilty of the charges. This includes examining your witnesses, cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses, and other courtroom activities. An effective criminal defense attorney has a veritable bag of tricks that can help your trial reach the best outcome for you.
7. They Lead as Your Advocate During Sentencing
If there is a guilty verdict, they may be able to negotiate changes to your sentence. This could include such actions as serving less time in prison and going to a rehabilitation facility, attending counseling, community service, and more.
8. They Understand the Complexity of Criminal Law and How to Navigate the System
When people in Pinellas County decide not to hire a criminal defense attorney and try to “go it on their own,” it is incredibly difficult and can make an already challenging situation much worse. Criminal defense attorneys utilize a deep understanding of criminal law every step of the way from the interview and all throughout the trial to defend you against the charges to get the best possible outcome. Having an attorney can ensure that you meet all of your case deadlines and help you navigate the intricacies of the criminal justice system.
9. They Have the Experience Necessary to Mount a Strong Defense
When your future is on the line, working with someone who has the legal knowledge and experience to mount strong defense matters. With their experience, a criminal defense attorney can raise strong defenses and pursue effective case strategies that can radically change the outcome of your case. A criminal defense attorney can make a huge difference in how your case will play out. From your freedom to your career and much more, a good legal advocate is the key to your future.
10. They Bring a Powerful Skill Set That Clients Don’t Have
Reading books about criminal law does not make a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney has a complex, powerful skill set that clients do not have to fight aggressively and effectively in your defense. They are extremely detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills, understand how the criminal justice system works, and know-how to develop the right strategy for the best defense of your charges. It takes a lot of different skills to defend someone against criminal charges and work toward the best outcome possible.
At Golden Key Law, we represent clients in the Pinellas County justice system and lead as your legal advocate when you are faced with criminal charges. When your freedom and livelihood are at stake, you need a skilled St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney.
Take action to make sure your rights are protected, and contact us to set up a consultation about your case.