Sometimes, we find ourselves caught up in difficult life situations through no fault of our own. Sadly, our actions in these tough situations can result in criminal charges. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important not to panic, but instead to act wisely. Everyone has the right to a fair trial and the ability to defend themselves against criminal charges. This is why criminal defense lawyers are so important. They work to ensure that an innocent person is not punished for a crime they didn’t commit.
Thus, it’s crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can after criminal charges have been filed. According to criminal defense lawyers in Connecticut, there is a difference between state and federal crimes. Thus, you will want to find a criminal defense attorney that either practices in your state, or who is licensed to practice in a federal court, depending on what you have been charged with.
Below, we will discuss some key ways that criminal lawyers are beneficial and relevant to clients in modern society.
They Ensure Fairness
The main goal of a criminal defense attorney is to ensure their client’s rights are not oppressed. A criminal defense attorney will study the prosecution’s case and work to throw out any illegally-obtained evidence, as well as verify that all proper legal procedures were followed by law enforcement officers. They will also work to argue your innocence, by talking with witnesses and studying the statutes of the applicable laws. All of this work ensure that the law is followed, that a client’s innocence is argued,, and that fairness is achieved.
They Advocate For Proportionate Punishment
In some cases, where a client is guilty, a criminal defense lawyer can advocate for reduced sentencing or punishment. This is especially true for minor or first-time offenses. If a lawyer has high qualifications and extensive experience, he or she may be able to successfully get you a lighter sentence that is in line with the crime committed.
Legal Representation Is Important
The law is meant to be applied equally to every person. However, this can’t happen if only one side has legal representation. This is why it’s important that every person in a legal dispute get representation from an attorney. In fact, the United States requires that all persons accused of criminal charges have a lawyer, even if they cannot afford one. Notably, this is not the case for civil lawsuits. While a public defender can save a charged person from debt, a private criminal defense lawyer may have more experience and bandwidth.
In the end, it is advisable to retain a lawyer as early as possible. An experienced lawyer will carefully study the nuances of the case, as well as the evidence, to ensure you a fair trial.
