When people are
accused of a crime, they face the terrible possibility of going to jail. A good
attorney can represent anyone committed with a crime to the best of his or her
ability. They can negotiate with prosecutors and can often arrange for reduced
charges or lesser sentencing.
Criminal defense lawyers do much more than
simply question witnesses in court. Good defense attorneys will:
Formulate sentencing programs tailored to a
client's specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the
justice system.
Provide defendants with a reality check, a
knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to
happen should their cases go to trial. This perspective is vital for defendants
trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor's offered "plea bargain".
Are familiar with important legal rules
because many criminal law rules are hidden away in court interpretations of
federal and state constitutions.
Are familiar with local court customs and
procedures that aren't written down anywhere (for example, a lawyer may know
which prosecutor has the "real" authority to settle a case, and what kinds of
arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor).
Understand the possible "hidden costs" of
pleading guilty which a self-represented person might never think
about.
Spend crucial time on your case.
Gather information from prosecution
witnesses.
Hire and manage investigators, who may be
able to believably impeach (contradict) prosecution witnesses who embellish or
change their stories at trial.
from
http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/
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