jeudi 6 février 2014

When Should You Get A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

By Darby Ratzlaff


Have you ever wondered what a criminal defense attorney does? A defense attorney is someone who defends individuals who have been charged with a serious crime.

A criminal justice lawyer typically handles a multitude of serious crimes such as DUI or DWI, assault, murder, drug crimes, domestic violence crimes and fraud to name a few.

If a client has the means to hire his own attorney privately, that is the method preferred by most. But in many cases clients may not have the funds to hire a private attorney, in which case one will be appointed to them by the courts. You have likely heard of these attorneys as being called public defenders.

For someone to qualify to be a criminal lawyer he/she should be having a law degree and he/she should also pass the common examination called bar examination that is in the state they wish to practice. When it comes to the job description of criminal defense attorneys, they normally represent the defendants who are facing charges of criminal in the state, federal and also the appellate courts.

Some of the duties that a criminal lawyer will carry bout include hearings for plea bargains, bail bond hearings, revocation hearings and appeals. In addition to these services, the attorney will also:

- Interview any witnesses that may help the case and perform independent investigation of the case

- Case law research in case there is a precedent that can be argued for the client

- Determining the best strategy and preparing an adequate defense based on that information

- Negotiate, if necessary with the prosecuting council in order to possibly obtain a plea bargain for his client

- Help in drafting, filing and arguing the motions for example the motions to dismiss.

- Acts as legal representation for the client

- If there are to be appeals, drafting and arguing them in court

A criminal defense attorney is important if you find yourself facing criminal charges for any reason. If you are looking at the possibility of jail or prison time, having a qualified defense attorney can make a huge difference in your life.




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