If you’re facing charges or just had the police tell you you’re under investigation, you’ll know it’s a serious matter that can affect every aspect of your life. Not every legal issue will require the help of an attorney, but in some issues, it is a must to seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and create a defense. Here are five signs it’s time to contact an expert in criminal defense:
You Have Been Charged with a Crime
Getting formally charged with a misdemeanor or felony should be a huge deal. At this point, you should never face the criminal justice system alone. A defense lawyer will review the particulars of your case, the evidence, and your options for drafting a defense.
For instance, skilled criminal defense lawyers in Maine should be able to negotiate a lesser charge, lesser penalties, or a total dismissal of your case. You should not take a chance of facing any criminal charge alone. You will need an experienced lawyer to guide and help you.
You’ve Been Arrested
If you are arrested, you must obtain a criminal defense attorney immediately. Arrests mean the state believes they have enough evidence to indict you for a crime. Anything you say now can and will be used against you.
An attorney will safeguard your rights through interrogation and the entire judicial process. They will guide you on the charges and direct you to the next step. Acting promptly improves your chances of a favorable result and prevents self-incrimination.
You’re Not Clear About Legal Process
The criminal justice process can be complicated and confusing. You may not be clear on how the criminal justice system runs, what happens in a particular case, or the steps required in a case from arraignment to trial. You will want legal assistance.
A defense attorney will identify your rights, explain the steps in your case, and explain what you can expect at each part of the legal process. They will help ensure you do not miss important deadlines or procedural requirements.
Your Case Involves Charges
Some criminal cases involve several charges and may have some overlap with various federal, financial, or cybercrime statutes. When you have a case with this kind of complexity, having an attorney knowledgeable of all the potential statutes will significantly assist you.
Your attorney’s knowledge of the possible consequences of each charge and the possibility of consolidating some charges or dismissing them all the way is extremely valuable. Your attorney will develop a strategy that works within the complexities of your case, allowing them to keep your case together while minimizing your exposure to criminal liability.
Evidence is Against You
If law enforcement has collected evidence like video surveillance, forensic results, or witness statements against you, it is time to hire a lawyer. A great defense attorney will scrutinize how the evidence was obtained and argue against evidence that was obtained illegally.
The attorney may also attempt to bar and exclude certain types of evidence and introduce new evidence that corroborates your defense. How and what to challenge can be the difference between weakening the prosecution’s case and not being convicted.
Endnote
If you are involved in any of the situations outlined above, hiring a criminal attorney is a must. You may not think of the implications of criminal charges until you realize you can no longer drive, a former employer shares the information with your new employer, or you miss out on a job opportunity because an employer googled you and saw that you were arrested. An experienced and skilled defense attorney has more than just a legal education at their disposal. They have a legal strategy, negotiation skills, and experience in court, which can help your situation.
