What You Can Expect From The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
You may want to know what you can expect from the best criminal defense lawyer. In this article, we are going to go over everything you should expect from any great attorney you hire.
The Importance Of Hiring An Attorney
The fact of the matter is this. No matter how much you know about the law and no matter how smart you are, choosing to represent yourself at trial is always a big mistake. To be completely honest, the legal system is structured in such a way that there is literally no way to do this correctly or effectively. In addition, there is no way to represent yourself in a way that will result in anything other than a very bad outcome.
For this reason it’s crucial to hire the best attorney in your location. It truly is the only way to have your charges reduced or dropped and to see a positive outcome for your case.
In this article we will discuss what you can (and should) expect from the best criminal defense lawyer. And if you use this guide to hire the help of a law firm, you should see significantly reduced penalties and the best outcome for your case.
Things You Should Expect From The Best Criminal Defense Attorney
Before we get into what you should expect from a top-notch lawyer, let’s get into the basics. Below, you will learn more about what criminal lawyers do and how they get to do what they do.
What Is A Criminal Attorney Exactly?
A criminal attorney, otherwise and frequently referred to as a criminal lawyer or criminal defense lawyer, is a specific type of defense lawyer that people call upon at times when they get in trouble and are charged with crimes. More specifically, this type attorney specializes in the representation and defense of people and corporations charged with criminal and illegal activities.
A criminal defense attorney may be hired privately by an individual or company or retained through the court system as a public defender. Different locations and jurisdictions have a different process for appointing public defenders or state appointed attorneys to a case. However, the overall goal of legal representation is the same with every criminal attorney. And that is the lawful and fair representation of individuals or businesses who have been charged with a crime.
Generally speaking and in the USA, a criminal justice attorney will deal with varying issues and stages of the criminal court process. They may work for a private law firm or the state, local or federal government.
This type of attorney generally handles and represents individuals during different phases of the criminal court process. They may represent someone after an arrest, during the investigation process, during sentencing, the appeal process and post trial phases.
Their Education
The education of a criminal defense attorney is expansive. It is their education and knowing the law that makes their position invaluable. There are so many different facets of the law that a good criminal defense lawyer should be able to give hope to even the most hopeless of situations.
A degree and schooling to become a criminal lawyer requires the following:
- 4 yr degree from an accredited college or university
- 3 yrs of schooling from an accredited law school
- Passing the bar exam in the state in which one wants to practice law
- A Juris Doctor degree
- Certification and licensing to practice law from the state
Their Practice Areas
If you are really dealing with the best criminal defense attorney or a top-notch criminal lawyer, there are several things you can expect as they relate to the attorney’s practice areas. Here are a few things to consider:
- If you are really dealing with the best criminal attorney, he or she will either have a specialization that they are known for (say, DWI charges as an example). If this is not the case, you will find that the best criminal defense attorneys will be well known as an all around excellent lawyer who will be well established for just about every type of crime.
- Your attorney should be able to give you an idea of what the outcome of your case could be based on your past criminal record and current charges
- Most criminal defense attorneys who are very reputable will have a large number or good reviews. Positive reviews of past clients are a great way to determine whether an attorney is good or not.
Common Practice Areas Of Criminal Defense Attorneys Include:
There are a few common practice areas of criminal defense attorneys. Anything by law that is considered a crime, a criminal defense attorney should be able to represent you for. As stated above, it is important to pick a lawyer who specializes in the type of crime for which you are seeking representation for. This will guarantee that he or she:
- Is familiar with the charges and understands the law proficiently around your charges
- Has a record of getting charges reduced or completely dropped
- Understands what the likely outcome of your charges are and how to counter any negative outcome in an intelligent way
Here are some of the most common practice areas of criminal defense lawyers:
- DWI or DUI charges
- Drug possession and other drug crimes
- Gun charges
- Domestic violence and assault
- Theft and robbery
- Public intoxication
What Does A Criminal Attorney Do On The Job?
There are many things criminal defense attorneys do on the job from talking to clients to showing up to court to standard paperwork to name a few. However, their main and probably most important function as an attorney is tying together a crime with their knowledge of the legal system in a way that benefits their clients.
It is a criminal defense attorney’s job to find the right information or evidence to help his or her client win a case. This is what you can expect from the best criminal defense lawyer.
Daily duties of a criminal defense attorney include:
- Conducting consultations with clients
- Dealing with office staff
- Communication with clients
- Reading through court documents
- Assessing evidence and reading through statuses
- Taking notes and formulating a strategy
While these tasks might sound trivial, it’s not uncommon for criminal defense lawyers (especially the really good ones) to spend months reading through case files and preparing to go to trial. So these simple tasks that are done in preparation are the foundational elements to help the best attorneys win their case.
Specific Tasks Of A Criminal Defense Attorney
There are many specific jobs and duties that a criminal lawyer does both in the courtroom and outside the courtroom. Besides just the tasks conducted within a law firm and outside of a courtroom, a criminal defense lawyer will work from the strategy he or she created. This includes cross-examining witnesses brought in by the prosecution among other things.
In order for a criminal defense attorney to be really good, he or she must be extremely knowledgeable, trustworthy and able to change course on a whim. Here are some other specific tasks the best criminal defense lawyers will be very familiar with.
Handling Sentencing
When you work with the best criminal defense lawyer, he or she will be able to handle sentencing in a way that works out positively for your situation. For example, if you are arrested for drug possession in Louisiana, the court may want to throw you in prison for a number of years depending on the type of drug and other details of the crime. However, if you work with a criminal defense attorney, they can work out a sentencing program that doesn’t throw you back into the legal system and the same situation you came from.
For example, they may help you by getting you into an extended stay rehab rather than having to go away to prison for a lengthy stay. Judges are happy to work with a respected attorney because they should strengthen the legal system by providing solutions rather than just a slap on the hand.
Plea Bargains
A criminal defense attorney can work out a plea bargain with the client and prosecutor. Essentially this is done to work out a deal and get lesser charges or charges significantly reduced.
This happens very frequently however it is very unlikely if you choose to represent yourself in a case. This is why it’s especially crucial to hire an attorney for representation. They can work out a plea bargain that will work in your favor and give you the best shot for a positive future.
State-Specific Rules And Regulations
Most people charged with a crime have a large amount of difficulty navigating the legal system and understanding state-specific rules, laws and regulations. For this reason, when you work with a criminal defense attorney, they can help you navigate the legal system and get things done right the first time.
Knowledge Of The Law
One of the most beneficial aspects of hiring a criminal defense attorney, especially a really good one, is their knowledge of the law and the legal system. Such knowledge will help you win your case and lead to the best results from any court proceedings.
The legal system is extremely complicated. Hiring the best criminal defense attorney who has a greater knowledge of the law will help you to understand any loopholes you can take advantage of. His or her knowledge of the law is the greatest asset a skillful attorney can provide in your defense. And it’s truly invaluable when it comes to your future.
Witness Handling
Witness handling is something that a skillful criminal defense attorney should be seasoned in doing. In addition, your attorney will communicate with witnesses, get statements, and look at evidence in order to make decisions that will be beneficial to you and your case.
Keep in mind, having the best criminal defense attorney on your side or a team that is well respected will ensure your witnesses feel comfortable talking. Many times, and in cases of self representation, a witness may refuse to provide key evidence or testimony simply. This often happens because he or she isn’t being handled by a lawyer or law firm. So it really does make a difference to get the right representation.
Dealing With Endless Investigators
Attorneys are expected to deal with endless investigators you may encounter during the lifespan of criminal charges and the time between being charged and going to trial. If you have to deal with these things on your own, chances are you will become very weary from doing so. When you work with the best criminal defense lawyer, you will not have to experience the endless investigators because your lawyer will handle them instead. This makes a huge difference as the weight on your shoulders alone from any such criminal charges will probably be enough.
Outcomes
Your criminal defense attorney will know what the outcome will be if you plead guilty or innocent. They should be able to educate you on such projected outcomes and work out plea bargains that will work out in your favor.
With help from the best criminal defense lawyer near you, you will see significantly better outcomes for any charges you may be facing. This is a big deal, especially if your charges can get you locked up for any amount of time.
What Happens When You Choose A Top-Notch Criminal Defense Attorney
There are a few simple things that occur when you choose a top notch criminal defense law firm to handle your criminal charges. If you hire a great attorney rather than choosing to represent yourself or use a public defender, in today’s day and age you are guaranteed a better outcome.
7 Things To Expect From The Best Criminal Defense Law Firm
There are 7 definites for when you are dealing with the best criminal law firm in your area. These things are pretty basic you may think. However, they are things you can and will expect when you are dealing with a highly skilled and well known criminal defense attorney. So take a look and see if your law firm measures up!
They Will Be Respected And Have A Good Reputation.
When you hire a great criminal defense attorney or law firm, those who know of the firm will also know that they are respectable, have ethical practices and get great results. Look at the criminal defense law firm’s online reviews and ask around. You’ll be sure to learn a thing or two by reading reviews and speaking to locals!
They Treat Their Clients Well.
A great criminal defense attorney and law firm treats their clients well. When you pay them, they do not stop answering calls or drop off the face of the earth.
They will treat you well whether they are trying to get payment from you, in the midst of your case, or simply answering your inquiries. The best criminal defense law firm understands that treating others well will help him indirectly and lead to better relationships overall.
They Will Have A History Of Getting Awesome Results.
Good lawyers will have a proven history and track record of getting cases dismissed, charges dropped and penalties reduced. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential criminal lawyer for information on past case results. They will surely give it to you and show off if they have done something spectacular for someone facing a very high penalty.
They Know The Law In And Out.
A great criminal attorney knows the law in and out. He or she will be able to advise you on how to handle your charges and what stance you should take with regards to criminal charges. They will be informed of state regulations and will be able to pinpoint any loopholes that may get you a significantly better outcome overall.
They Will Keep Things Confidential.
Good lawyers know the law and know that they could lose their license if they speak specifically to others about your case without your permission. So if you are dealing with an exceptional law firm, have no worries that they will keep your conversations and consultations confidential.
The Are Well Connected.
One important thing that differentiates an exceptional criminal defense attorney from a regular one is that he or she will be very well connected. He will know law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, politicians and just about everyone. And they will only have positive things to say about your lawyer.
Their Prices Speak To Their Expertise.
If you are actually hiring the best criminal defense attorney near you, you will learn one thing that may seem a little daunting. They will certainly not be cheap!
However with their higher prices you will indefinitely get a better outcome for your case. So the price will be worth your future.
The Legal System Favors Criminals Who Have Attorneys
The legal system favors those who hire attorneys and you will literally get maximum sentences and penalties for failing to find a good lawyer. The legal system also has a lot of different loopholes and nothing can replace the experience and knowledge a lawyer has to offer.
No matter what your charges or your case, this is always the scenario. Choosing to represent yourself rather than hire the help of an attorney is a bad idea if you care about your future. So choose your attorney wisely and good luck with your case.
Conclusion: What You Can Expect From The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
As you can see, there are many things you should expect if you hire the best criminal defense attorney for your charges. The best criminal defense lawyer will be well educated and knowledgeable, know the loopholes of the legal system and state regulations, provide you with opportunities for significantly reduced sentences, plea bargains and more. This is why it’s especially crucial to hire an excellent criminal defense attorney for your charges.
If you are located in Louisiana and are facing any criminal charges, you should reach out to Barkemeyer Law Firm. Barkemeyer Law Firm has a number of locations throughout Louisiana. You can contact them to ask a question or request information on this page here. You can also learn more about the law firm here.
Take a look at their locations below:
Barkemeyer Law Firm Shreveport
Barkemeyer Law Firm New Orleans
We hope you gained some important knowledge from this blog post. You probably also are aware of the fact that your future depends on the lawyer you hire. In addition, you don’t want your criminal record to ruin your life.
You should now know the answer to your question: what can you expect from the best criminal defense lawyer and we wish you all the best.
