Being charged with any type of crime is a serious matter. Depending on your situation, you may be facing jail time, fines and other penalties, in addition to the social stigma of having a criminal record. If you are being charged with a crime and are not sure if you need an attorney or not, consider these 11 reasons why having a criminal lawyer in Denver, CO on your side could make a significant difference in your case.
Protects your name
A criminal charge can dent your reputation and cause stress among family members and friends. An attorney can help you discreetly and will work to get you the best potential outcome for your particular case.
Keeps the process moving
A criminal case may involve paperwork, hearings and other matters you’ll have to attend to. Your attorney, however, will be able to do some of these things for you, freeing up your time and making sure you avoid making mistakes that could be time-consuming or costly to fix.
Prevents employment issues
Depending on what you are charged with and where you work, you could find yourself fired or penalized for a conviction in future interviews. An attorney will work to get your charges reduced if they can’t be dismissed, which lowers the likelihood of you facing employment issues due to a criminal conviction on your record.
Offers a sentence possibility
Of course, no attorney can guarantee that you will not receive jail time. However, they will be able to negotiate with the prosecutor for you to avoid jail time or reduce the length of your potential sentence.
Offers a potentially lower fine
As with a jail sentence, a criminal lawyer in Denver, CO can negotiate fines connected to your charge. This is particularly significant if you are facing a charge that normally carries a big fine.
Provides a full understanding of your charges
A criminal charge is often confusing, especially if you have never been charged before. Your attorney will be able to explain exactly what you are charged with and what it means for you.
Takes you through the process
You can’t afford to miss a step in the legal process, especially if your case goes to trial. An attorney will keep track of all the case requirements and complexities and let you know exactly where you need to be and when.
Handles all the paperwork
There is a lot of paperwork involved in court proceedings, and it can get confusing to a layperson quickly. Your attorney will ensure that all the paperwork for your case is filled out property and filed on time. They will also explain all documents to you so you never sign anything you don’t fully understand.
Knows the law
A criminal lawyer has a deep understanding of the law and the courts that you won’t have the time to obtain. This allows them to navigate the legal system, prepare a defense, and avoid pitfalls.
Communicates with others involved in the case
If there are other parties involved in your case, you probably don’t want to communicate with them as they could use your words against you. Your attorney will do much of the talking for you so you don’t take any unnecessary risks.
Builds your defense case
Your attorney will talk to witnesses, look for evidence, and do whatever they can to help your case. This is why having an attorney on your side when you are charged with a crime is so invaluable.
If you are facing criminal charges, it’s important you move quickly to defend yourself. Contact a lawyer about your case today.
Thanks to Richard J. Banta, P.C. for their insight into criminal defense and why you need an attorney.