Getting involved in a criminal case can leave you with large fines and facing years in jail. If you’re being charged with a significant crime, you’ll need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court. Unless you’re a criminal lawyer yourself, representing yourself in court is a serious risk.
Criminal lawyers are trained in law and know what areas to look into to help build a strong case. They’ll weigh various arguments before narrowing down the most effective ones and look for variables that can either exempt you from all charges or reduce your punishment. They’re skilled at organizing arguments and presenting facts in a manner that shows you in the best light.
Here’s why you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer for your case:
1. They Are Well-Versed In the Criminal Law System
Criminal lawyers undergo years of training before they can take on their own cases. In order to practice as a criminal lawyer, you need a Juris Doctorate Degree which requires you to know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.
They are skilled at identifying inconsistencies and loopholes that they can use to strengthen your case and shift the verdict in your favor.
In every jurisdiction, there are certain “unwritten rules” that criminal lawyers are familiar with. They’ll let you know when the prosecutor is crossing a line or when a police search was unlawful.
2. Outstanding Negotiation Skills
Lawyers are experts at negotiations. When you hire a lawyer, expect them to come up with creative solutions to sway the case in your direction. The moment you hire them, your lawyer will lay out a plan for you and tell you what needs to be done to build the strongest case possible.
A lawyer’s negotiation skills are crucial when negotiating plea agreements.
3. Access to Essential Resources
In the majority of criminal cases, lawyers will have to gather proof and statements from witnesses. While witnesses are willing to speak to lawyers, they don’t typically agree to converse with defendants.
A criminal lawyer can approach witnesses on your behalf. If you choose to represent yourself, depending on the nature of the case, you may find it difficult to gather witnesses who will speak for you in court. The stronger witnesses you have, the better it is for your case.
Criminal defense lawyers are well within their right to hire investigators that can help gather evidence. These investigators can even find information that can weaken the prosecutor’s case.
Lawyers are also allowed to refer to forensic experts when needed to further strengthen your case.
If you do have criminal charges against you, then it’s strongly advised that you hire a criminal defense lawyer that understands the nuances of the law and knows how to navigate through complex cases.
Attorney Norley E. Castañeda has almost 15 years of experience working as a criminal lawyer. In her career, she’s successfully defended people facing serious charges including violent offenses, DWI, sex/drug offenses as well as domestic offenses.
If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Suffolk County, contact Castañeda’s office at (516) 286-3486.