Criminal defense lawyers work for the state and federal governments, as well as for private clients.
Their clients include defendants accused of a crime, people facing civil lawsuits over events that occurred during their incarceration, victims of crimes and their families, witnesses involved in a trial or investigation, and even professional athletes who have been charged with crimes while playing in professional sports leagues (such as the NFL).
Let’s find out more about criminal defense lawyers, their varieties like theft attorney Phoenix, and why you need them.
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
A criminal defense lawyer is an attorney who represents defendants in criminal cases. They are often called criminal defense attorneys, although this is not technically their only job. In addition to their main duties as criminal defense lawyers, they may also handle other areas of the law, such as family law and bankruptcy.
A criminal defense attorney does not represent their client just on the charges that they are being charged with, but also on any additional charges that may arise from their case.
If the defendant has multiple charges against them, then the attorney must be able to handle all of these simultaneously without skipping a beat in order to keep up with the investigation proceedings.
Finding the right criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, then you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. A good lawyer will help you navigate through the legal system, protect your rights and ensure that your best interests are represented during this time.
There are many ways to find an experienced criminal defense attorney. However, many people who face criminal charges are unfamiliar with finding one or don’t know where to start looking.
This can make it difficult for them to find an experienced criminal defense attorney who will work hard for them throughout their case and ensure that they get justice.
Depending on where you are, your experience will vary in terms of what to expect, how easy it is to find a criminal defense lawyer, what are the legal charges, and so on.
For example, in Arizona, the typical lawyer charges anywhere from $140 to $450 per hour. Criminal lawyers tend to cost on the higher end of this spectrum. Getting a good lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona, therefore, can run up the costs for longer and more complex criminal cases, but not more than in many other more expensive states.
What can I expect from a criminal defense lawyer?
Criminal defense lawyers represent clients facing criminal charges. The lawyer is there to protect their client’s rights and make sure the client is treated fairly during the legal process.
The lawyer acts as a liaison between the client and the court, helping them negotiate medications, plea deals, and other agreements in order to avoid unnecessary legal costs.
The role of a criminal defense lawyer is very specialized. Your lawyer will help you understand how the law applies to your situation and what options are available for you. They will also evaluate your case and make sure that it is presented in its strongest possible light so that you can get the best outcome possible from your case.
Also, as there are many different types of crimes, the costs can vary wildly. The type of lawyer and their specialization, years of practice, and overall position will also determine how much you end up paying them for their professional services. For example, let’s talk about the specialization aspect. A fraud lawyer in Phoenix will cost more than a theft attorney.
How can I win a criminal defense lawsuit?
There are many time-tested strategies offered by criminal defense attorneys that help their clients win cases or have a better time in court, at least.
Maximizing compensation or punitive damages on one side, and reducing the sentence or their intensity on the other are the primary motives in court depending on which side of the fence you’re on.
Being represented by a proficient criminal lawyer will dramatically improve your chances in certain cases where experience trumps all.
Some strategies that good criminal lawyers use to ensure a win or the best sentence for a defendant revolve around these parameters:
- Client was entrapped
- The client was compelled to confess falsely
- There was police misconduct involved
- The client had a potential alibi
- Crime couldn’t be proved beyond a reasonable doubt
- The client acted in self-defense or it was an accident
- There was some duress or immediate danger that prompted the action
- There was incorrect witness identification or identity
Also, different states have different laws regarding many crimes. This also affects how long it takes for a lawyer to solve your case or get you the right justice.
If you take 10 random criminal defense attorneys Phoenix and calculate the average case length, it’s not going to be a useful metric to try and ascertain how long you’ll be in court.
Final verdict
A criminal defense lawyer is a lawyer who represents clients accused of criminal offenses. The lawyer’s role in the legal system is to advise their client and represent them in court, if necessary.
When you have been charged with a crime, you need a criminal defense lawyer who can work on your behalf and fight for the best possible outcome in court.
A criminal defense lawyer has the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate through the legal system and get your charges reduced or dismissed. A criminal defense lawyer also knows how to negotiate with prosecutors to get the best possible plea deal.
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