Do I Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Being accused of a crime that you did not commit can be a trying time for you and your loved ones. Depending on the nature of the crime of which you are accused, your standing in the community and your family name may fall into disrepute. The temptation to clear your name can be close to overwhelming, but going about things in the wrong way can actually do more harm. That’s why you should always speak to a lawyer before saying anything on record.
Remember, you do not have to answer any questions or speak to the duty solicitor in a police interview. Even if you feel like you are holding up proceedings or not being helpful towards the law officers trying to move things along, by speaking to a criminal defense lawyer first you will gain perspective on how other players in your case may act, which in turn could drive you to handle your responses in a way that is befitting of your defense. An arrest warrant does not make you guilty, only the sentencing of a judge can make you guilty - try to bear this in mind if you are ever caught up in the initial stages of a criminal case (speak to a criminal defense lawyer in LA for info).
The modern legal process is light years away from the era of lengthy letters having to be typed on notepaper, dusty legal books, and wax seals. Much of the process is conducted online, and most lawyers these days will ask you to view website blog posts in order to get you to complete an online intake form so that they have detailed background information on your case before they commence their initial advice on the case.
What kind of charges are included in criminal defense?
There are many different types of criminal defense cases. In some specialized cases, such as sexual assault, because of the manner in which the court will deal with the extra-sensitive needs of the alleged victim, you will require the services of a sexual assault lawyer.
However, in general, many criminal defense lawyers tend to focus on handling cases that revolve around any of the following main types of accusation:
Public order offences
Possession of weapons
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
Possession of controlled drugs
Criminal matters involving a vehicle
Burglary or handling of stolen property
Attempted murder / murder / manslaughter
Fraud (this could include cybercrime)
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
Criminal defense is a wide area of law, meaning that criminal defense lawyers will often choose a career that focuses on just one of all the different types of defense. For example, types of defense could include drug defense or a defense for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Unfortunately, some motorists believe that driving after having a couple of alcoholic drinks is not such a major problem. However, the fact of the matter is that DUI manslaughter is a serious matter, and if convicted you could be subjected to a prison term for as long as 30 years in some states in the USA.
No matter the stage to which your case has progressed, a criminal defense lawyer will be able to handle your claim and direct your defense.
Stages of criminal defense include:
Initial stages (you are made aware of the accusation)
Your arrest by the authorities
The police investigation
Official criminal charges are made
Your case is heard in court and you are sentenced,
Any appeals and other related post-trial matters