Do I Need A Lawyer If I’m Innocent?
If you are accused of a crime and think you are innocent, you may be thinking to yourself, “Do I need a lawyer if I’m innocent? The answer to this question is not always black and white. In some cases, you may be able to represent yourself in court. However, it may be wise to have an experienced lawyer by your side in other cases as you will note that there are major benefits to hiring a lawyer.
Consultation
We offer a Paid Consultation for those who may have questions regarding criminal charges. This can be very helpful to those who just want to have a good discussion about a situation, but don’t necessarily need to hire a lawyer, or aren’t sure if they need an attorney. There are many topics and issues we can help with. Importantly, everything we discuss is confidential. If this is what you need, just click here to schedule a paid consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Hiring A Lawyer Even When Innocent
Hiring a lawyer, even when innocent, is usually your best bet. There are many people who are innocent who sit in jail cells and prison due to their choice to not hire a lawyer.
In some cases, hiring a lawyer may not be necessary. However, if you want to give yourself and your future the best shot doing so is always recommended.
Minor Crimes And Criminal Offenses
For example, if the charge is a minor offense and there is no evidence of a crime, personal injury or property damage, then you may be able to represent yourself in court. However, if there is any chance that the case could go to trial, it is advisable to have an experienced lawyer by your side.
PRO TIP: Read this post and learn whether or not you need a lawyer for a DUI. We hope you learn all the important questions to ask your attorney too!
Why Hiring A Lawyer Is Crucial No Matter What
If you have been arrested, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and advise on what action to take next. If at all possible, hire an attorney with experience in the area of law related to your case (i.e., criminal defense if charged with a crime). The sooner this happens after arrest or citation date – preferably within 24 hours maximum – the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Your criminal lawyer will be protecting rights during interrogation sessions when police try coercing confessions out of you, which may not even be true. Many people find themselves saying them anyway because don’t know any other way around answering difficult questions. Such questions, when asked under pressure while handcuffed are often answered due to the situation. A person accused of a crime who does not know the law may often answer in a way that puts their future in jeopardy. The legal system is rigged in this way to put people in jail and support finding answers about crimes.
PRO TIP: Read this article to learn what to do if pulled over drunk! If you say the wrong things, you may get arrested and ruin your life!
When To Hire A Lawyer
If you are accused of a crime, you may wonder if it is necessary to hire a lawyer.
The decision on whether or not a lawyer can depend upon what type of crime has been committed as well as how serious its consequences might be. For instance: If you’re facing serious criminal charges such as stealing a car, murder or domestic abuse, then the answer is more than likely yes. In addition, if someone has been injured due to your actions, then they could sue you, and therefore a lawyer is recommended.
Serious Crimes Always Require Lawyer Representation
Whether you are innocent or not, serious crimes always require a lawyer’s representation. If the crime that was committed is less severe than murder or rape (such as theft), then a lawyer may not be necessary because these types of offenses usually do not carry heavy sentences such as jail time. In this case, it would behoove you to lawyer up so that way any legal proceedings go smoothly with minimal charges against yourself!
Considering To Hire A Law Firm
If there are no injuries associated with your alleged behavior and only property damage occurred, then a lawyer may also be unnecessary but highly recommended just in case things get out of hand during court proceedings. However, if someone else was involved who can corroborate what really happened when police arrived on the scene, then a lawyer probably won’t be necessary unless they want to use that person’s testimony against you during the trial.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, but they said I did.” If this is your situation, then a lawyer probably isn’t necessary unless you’re worried about having to pay restitution or fines for damages caused by another person’s negligence and don’t have insurance coverage. Also, a lawyer may be needed if any charges are pending against the other party, in which case he/she could represent them too (this will help keep costs down).
It sounds like a lawyer isn’t necessary because all evidence points towards innocence until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt anyway. So just tell them what happened during the interview process without incriminating yourself further during questioning by saying things like “it wasn’t my fault,” etcetera that might make prosecutors think otherwise later on when it comes time to negotiate a plea bargain.
Want A Clean Record? Hire A Law Firm
But the bottom line and the sad truth is this. If you want to make sure your record stays clean, whether you are innocent or not, it is best to hire a criminal lawyer for representation. For example, let’s say you are arrested at college, there’s a large consequence if you choose to not hire a lawyer. You could get kicked out of college, experience a deterioration of your criminal background, not get a job and more.
Unfortunately, many innocent people sit in jail cells. And most of them did not hire a lawyer or chose to represent themselves
Conclusion: Do I Need A Lawyer If I’m Innocent
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, advise you on your options, and represent you in court.
If you are located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana or any other area in Louisiana, we can recommend a law firm that has a large level of experience defending a variety of criminal offenses. Carl Barkemeyer, Criminal Defense Attorney is a top-rated criminal law firm in Louisiana. His firm is experienced with defending innocent people who are accused of crimes they have not committed.
You can reach out to Carl Barkemeyer Criminal Defense Attorney for help with your charges. It is the best way to ensure that your future is salvaged. Learn more about his practice areas here.
We hope you now know the answer to the question do I need a lawyer if I’m innocent and we wish you all the best.
