If you’re facing criminal charges, it might seem appealing to just plead guilty and suffer the consequences. But working with a criminal defense attorney has many benefits, which have lifelong effects, including your ability to get and hold a job.
With your livelihood and good name at stake, take your criminal defense seriously by hiring an attorney. Here are the top 10 reasons to do so.
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Keep your reputation
Having a charge on your good name can affect a variety of things in your life. When you work with a criminal defense attorney, you can clear your name by defending yourself against the crime you’re accused of.
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Improve timeliness
Your attorney can file the appropriate paperwork and keep your case moving at a good speed. This enables you to put the ordeal behind you in a more timely manner.
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Retain your job
Some companies have a policy against employing convicted felons. You can keep your job by clearing your name or reducing your sentence. A criminal defense attorney may be able to help you plead your case down to a lesser offense, so you can keep working.
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Reduced sentence
By hiring an expert to plead your case, you can reduce your sentence. This might mean less jail time or exchanging jail time for community service or other programs to rehabilitate you.
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Lower fines
You may think you can’t afford to hire an attorney because of the cost. However, your attorney can reduce the overall cost of your crimes, making it worth the investment. The costs can offset or even be less than the savings you experience from lower fines. Discuss fees with your attorney so you can weigh the pros and cons financially.
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Clarity around charges
You likely don’t speak legalese, which means you might not fully understand the charges against you. An attorney can discuss with you the offenses you’re being charged with and explain what it all means, including any long-term effects those charges might have on you if you’re found guilty.
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Explanation of the process
If you’ve never been through legal dealings, the process can be confusing. With a criminal defense attorney at your side, you’ll better understand what needs filed when and when you should appear in court. An attorney can also keep you apprised of what’s happening throughout the process when it might seem like the courts have gone mute. This can provide peace of mind during any lulls in the process.
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Relief from paperwork
A criminal defense includes filing paperwork for your case. There are multiple deadlines to manage and you’ll be requested to sign things throughout the process. An attorney can help you understand what’s requested of you and instruct you on what to do when these requests arise.
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Collaboration with additional parties
Depending on the charges against you, there may be other parties involved. It is in your best interest to not interact with other parties without your criminal defense attorney present. That’s because everything you say and do throughout the proceedings can be used against you. The simplest statements can be twisted or misunderstood leading to complications with winning your case.
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Proving your case
Having an expert who understands how to present a legal case is invaluable. That’s because it’s difficult to prove innocence if you don’t understand the legal process. Your criminal defense attorney is an expert in how to present a case for the best outcome. Having an attorney can help you bring expert witnesses to your trial and well-thought out plea deals should you need a plea deal.
Gore and Kuperman is a law firm in northern Virginia with 35 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. We make finances easy for you by explaining fees and expectations up front during your free consultation.
We’ll be your partner along the way as you look to clear your good name and move on from criminal charges. Our team of experts are ready to be your team of experts as you work through this difficult time. We know how to present a thorough case to help you return your life to normal and retain your way of life.
To get started in your criminal defense, call us at 703-385-7300. We’ll set up a free consultation to discuss the confidential details of your case.
This blog post is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be used as such. Specific case facts should be discussed with an attorney.