Nothing captivates an audience like a good criminal trial courtroom scene on television or in the movies. Sometimes, criminal cases are so spectacular in real life that those trials are broadcast and all the sordid details are discussed at the watercoolers in offices throughout the country. We are all familiar with the high drama that a criminal jury trial brings and that the State is seeking to prove the defendant guilty, but what is the role of the criminal defense attorney?
WHAT A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY DOES.
An attorney will be able to explain to the accused his or her rights. But also, an attorney will help the person accused to understand the process. During an investigation the attorney will safeguard the rights of the accused and make sure that their rights are not violated. After being charged with an offense, the attorney may negotiate a plea bargain for a reduced charge and/or punishment. If there is no resolution to a case, the attorney will represent the accused at trial and cross-examine witnesses, object to inappropriate questions and investigate facts and perhaps present evidence on behalf of the accused – all the while continuing to protect the rights of the accused.
WHEN TO CALL A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY.
The best time to call a criminal defense attorney is when you first suspect that there may be a problem. If a law enforcement officer asks to talk to you, don’t do anything until you speak with a criminal defense attorney. Even if you’ve done nothing wrong, statements that you make can be taken out of context and they can and will be used against you in a court of law. In some instances it may be possible to avoid criminal accusations all together by hiring a criminal defense attorney immediately at the start of a investigation. If you believe that you may need to speak to a criminal defense attorney, call Blosser Law Office today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
