In the event that you are arrested and charged with a crime, you will need a good criminal justice lawyer on your side. You have a right to legal defense, and you should use it. Criminal lawyers are the kinds of lawyers you commonly see on crime shows on TV. However, there is a lot more to legal work than what you see on the latest movie or series. As a criminal defense lawyer, like one from Tuttle Law, P.A. can explain, a lot of the work happens behind the scenes.
Does Everyone Charged with a Crime Get an Attorney?
Criminal lawyers are one of the most crucial elements of the American justice system. The right to a good criminal defense is so important that the court will appoint a lawyer to you if you cannot afford one. You may have heard this before. It is a part of the Miranda rights that police read during an arrest. It is your right to have access to a defense attorney if you end up in court, so use it. If you cannot afford one, ask the court to appoint one to you. It is never a good idea to walk into a trial without an attorney representing you.
What Does a Criminal Attorney Do?
Television shows often focus on the drama of the trial proceedings, but, in reality, most of the work is done outside of the trial. Your lawyer will always represent you in front of the court. For example, your lawyer will be at your bond hearing if you have one. Your lawyer can file an appeal on your behalf as well.
A lot of work happens outside the courtroom, too. Your attorney may research the laws, codes, and statutes around your case, for example. A lawyer may also conduct an investigation, complete with witness interviews, to gather information for your defense. Once they have a firm grasp of your unique situation and circumstances, they will be able to come up with a strategy to defend you. In some cases, that might mean getting you a plea bargain or filing motions on your behalf. That all happens outside of your trial.
It takes years of specialized education to become an attorney. That is why it is essential that you have a lawyer to represent you in court. If you are facing criminal charges or have any other questions about what a criminal justice lawyer can do for you, contact a local attorney to find out more.