When faced with the prospect of life-altering criminal charges in New Jersey, for some individuals, it may seem like an obvious decision to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney. However, there are plenty of individuals who question what benefits a defense attorney can bring to the table.
Fortunately for defendants, the list of benefits is long and provides an excellent understanding of just what a criminal defense attorney can do:
Many Defense Attorneys Were Prosecutors at One Time
Many of the criminal defense attorneys currently in practice started out as prosecutors, and spent years learning the ins-and-outs of criminal prosecution. That means that upon switching sides to represent criminal defendants, these attorneys have a wealth of knowledge about the approach that a prosecutor is likely to take in dealing with a defendant and the available evidence. That is an incredible advantage for a defendant, and one of the benefits of hiring an attorney.
A Defense Attorney Will be Able to Give You Sound Advice About the Likelihood of Successfully Defending the Charges
Defense attorneys have years of experience reviewing evidence and analyzing claims. He or she will be able to examine your specific situation and give you a realistic understanding of how strong a defense you can put forward, which will give you the information you need to be able to reasonably examine any plea bargains that are presented.
Defense Attorneys Can Attempt to Negotiate a Plea Agreement
If your attorney believes that seeking to negotiate a plea agreement instead of going to trial is in your best interests, he or she will know how to start that process, what to ask for, and what the requests or requirements placed in an agreement by a prosecutor could mean for you. Individuals without attorneys that are presented plea agreements could end up accepting a deal that is worse than they would have gotten at trial. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you avoid that outcome.
A Defense Attorney Gives You Someone to Provide Support During a Difficult Time
You certainly do not hire a defense attorney to be your best friend or a shoulder to cry on, but having the support of an individual whose job it is to see that your rights are protected is incredibly important. Defense attorneys understand what their clients are going through, and can provide support and encouragement when needed.
Defense Attorneys Know the Law
It may seem like an obvious point, but the law is not just the elements associated with your criminal charges. The law also involves legal precedent, procedural rules, evidentiary requirements, and the ability to think and react quickly to lines of questioning and statements by others. Individuals that do not have attorneys lose out on this depth of knowledge that can literally be the difference between acquittal and jail time.
Contact an Experienced Evesham Township Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with a crime such as drug possession, underage drinking, or endangering the welfare of a child in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case.
The attorneys at The Law Office of Stephen R. Piper, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with crimes such as homicide, fraud, and unlawful possession of a weapon in Burlington Township, Moorestown, Maple Shade, Delran, Cinnaminson and throughout New Jersey.
Call 856-333-3586 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.