What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do? Contact Us Today
 For A Free Consultation

Criminal defense lawyers work vigilantly to safeguard clients from the injustices of the legal system. An attorney with a focus on criminal law can also leverage a personalized and passionate defense strategy to seek the most favorable possible outcome for every case.

If you are being investigated for an alleged crime or have been charged with a criminal offense, you need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can immediately get to work protecting your legal rights while building a well-strategized defense against your charge.

The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal defense attorney plays an invaluable role in each phase of a criminal case. Whether someone is facing a misdemeanor charge or has been accused of committing one or more felonies, an attorney can step in from the very beginning to serve as an unwavering advocate throughout the entirety of the legal process.

A criminal defense lawyer does everything from investigating your case and guiding you through the legal system to presenting your defense and launching arguing legal issues. Key aspects of the investigative process will typically involve reviewing evidence by law enforcement, procuring new or additional evidence, and speaking with witnesses.

An attorney can potentially identify deficiencies in the prosecution’s case that may undermine their ability to reach their burden of proof for a conviction. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can sometimes prevent charges from being filed by showing that the police investigation or prosecution’s case does not meet the applicable laws.

For example, if the arrest was conducted unlawfully or the evidence used to facilitate the arrest was illegally obtained, this could derail the prosecution’s case. For some clients, it may be possible for their defense attorney to seek a full dismissal of all charges.

In other cases, the most advisable route may be to seek a reduction of the client’s charge or to negotiate a plea arrangement. A competent, qualified criminal defense attorney can navigate all of these vital aspects of a criminal case—whether fighting to get a charge reduced, dropped, or striking a favorable deal for the client.

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are suspected or accused of any crime, you should secure the services of a lawyer as soon as possible. You do not have to speak with law enforcement or answer any questions without an attorney.

Even if you think you are simply answering questions, law enforcement is not on your side, and you could end up accidentally saying something that is used against you later. If charges have not been filed yet, but you are under investigation or have been arrested for an alleged offense, you should still talk with a seasoned legal professional immediately.

You need an attorney who is responsive, tactical, and has experience handling cases involving the type of charge you are facing. For example, if you have been accused of assault, you should look for a lawyer who has experience successfully defending clients against these charges.

Your attorney should be intimately familiar with the criminal justice system and have experience with the local courts. A top criminal defense lawyer will be able to demonstrate a proven history of handling various aspects of a case—such as negotiating a deal or preparing for trial, along with extensive courtroom experience.

Moreover, a skilled criminal defense attorney can handle all phases of defense during trial, such as jury selection, pre- and post-trial motions, plea bargaining, sentencing, and appeals. A well-practiced criminal defense lawyer should have impressive research, investigating, negotiation, and communication skills to build legal arguments for the case and formulate unique defense strategies for a specific charge.

A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Protect Your Legal Rights

A criminal defense lawyer aims to achieve the best result for each client’s case but cannot guarantee an outcome. However, the defense strategy looks different for every case.

From carrying out legal research to constructing effective legal arguments to defending your rights in and out of the courtroom, our criminal defense attorneys at Price Benowitz will leave no stone unturned in their fight against the prosecutor who is trying to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our experienced defense attorneys can also help with other matters related to a criminal case, such as the eligibility for pre-trial intervention (PTI) diversion or expungement of criminal records that could hinder other areas of your personal and professional life. Call our firm to secure legal representation today.

Recent Case Results

Committed To Excellence