When Should You Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney?
There are so many encounters with the law that people won’t even notice on a day-to-day basis. However, you need to know what to do in the event that you need a lawyer on your side. It can be difficult to judge exactly when this might be, so here are some of the scenarios where you can ask for a lawyer to be present. For instance, some criminal defense cases might also include domestic violence and sexual harassment. In such cases, you need to have a Sexual Harassment Lawyer by your side to get a clear picture. Remember that you always have the right to legal counsel and you should ask for it if you are unsure about the situation.
Police Interviews
Anyone who watches cop TV programs will have seen countless scenes where a suspect will dramatically announce, “I want a lawyer” when they are being questioned. The reality is a bit different. It is highly recommended that you always have a lawyer present when the police are asking you questions, no matter why they might have asked you to come in.
They will most likely be trying to get some information out of you. Even if you have nothing to hide, the experience can be a little overwhelming and an attorney is there to be on your side. The right lawyer will be ready to spring to action to defend you no matter what time the police bring you in for questioning.
Court Appearances
No matter whether you are in Houston or Seattle, a criminal defense lawyer should always be by your side when you appear in court on a charge. They will be the one to present your case to the judge or jury and you will need to rely on their expertise to have your charges dropped. As this Seattle criminal defense attorney explain on their website “the vast majority of criminal cases never go to trial”. On their FAQ page, they explain that most of their client cases are dealt with outside of court – however sometimes it is in your best interests to take it to a trial.
If you are offered a plea deal, they will be the ones to negotiate any terms and let you know whether it is a good deal. They will be one of the most important people in your life during the trial so you need to make sure that you listen to any and all advice you might have.
Constitutional Rights Breaches
When the police first come in contact with you, there are several procedures they need to follow to ensure that everything comes in line with your constitutional rights. One of the major procedures that need to be followed is the reading of your Miranda Rights. If this is the case, any evidence the prosecutors gather in this time could be dismissed in court. If you feel like your constitutional rights have been violated in any way during an investigation, make sure you speak to a defense lawyer as soon as you can.
The right lawyer will be one of the most important people on your team. Even law-abiding citizens need to keep the contact information of a good attorney on hand, as you never know when you might encounter a case of mistaken identity. Never be afraid to ask for a lawyer if you feel like you need one.
