As a criminal defense law firm our experience spans many areas of law, and you can be accused of anything from assault & battery through to a DWI. If a situation like this arises, it’s important that you to hire a criminal defense attorney, fast. Despite all of the advice pointing in this direction, you’re still unsure if it’s the right thing to do – or you delay the decision until later on in your case.
Why do you need a criminal defense lawyer, and why do you have to hire one right away?
Instead of wasting time debating this decision, here we’ve outlined five extremely important reasons you must hire an attorney for your criminal defense case ASAP.
1. Avoid Accidental Self-Incrimination
Before you’re charged with anything, you’ll likely go through the arrest process – which includes a moment when the authorities will read you your rights. As you’ve likely seen in many TV shows and movies, this includes your right to remain silent. You are in no way obliged to speak with the police or answer any questions until an attorney is present to support you.
It’s very important that you exercise these rights and hire a criminal defense lawyer the moment you’re arrested. You may feel confident that you can handle this part, but trust us, you can’t. Why? Because a criminal defense attorney knows how protect you from harming yourself and doing or saying things that will hurt your case. It is too easy for someone to speak to the police or answer questions, thinking they’re being helpful, but in reality, they’re damaging their chances of either getting off or receiving a favorable sentence.
Hiring a defense lawyer right away means they step in and stop you from self-incrimination. They’ll handle any questions and will tell you what you should or shouldn’t say. It prevents you from speaking up or giving the officers any evidence that can be used against you in court.
2. Collect & Preserve As Much Evidence As Possible
Did you know that around 77% of police officers say they’ve witnessed evidence being lost or destroyed during their time in service? It is one of the biggest silent injustices out there, yet it happens all the time. Law enforcement agencies can look the other way or remove evidence that might support your case in court. There’s nothing you can do to stop this – apart from hiring a criminal defense lawyer the moment you’ve been arrested.
Your lawyer will help to collect and preserve as much evidence as possible, ensuring that nothing gets deleted or goes missing. This is especially important with regards to CCTV evidence, recordings, etc.
Moreover, your criminal defense attorney can help interview any witnesses when the incidents are fresh in their minds. They can talk to people before the police, ensuring the witnesses cannot be influenced in any way. If you want to put together the fairest case possible, then you need a lawyer by your side early on to control and collect all the evidence.
3. Negotiate Your Bail Release
Going back to the typical arrest process, after you’ve been cuffed and booked, the officers will determine your bail. For those unaware, bail refers to an amount of money you can pay to be released from prison until your court dates. It doesn’t acquit you of any charges – it simply means you can go home and prepare your case.
Unfortunately, if you don’t hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, your bail could be set at an unfairly high amount. You may also see ridiculously unfair release terms against your name, but there’s nothing you can do about it unless you’ve got a professional attorney on your side.
So, hire one as soon as you’ve been arrested, and they will negotiate your bail release terms and conditions. It should mean you’re able to be released on bail for a lower amount without any additional strict terms – like an ankle tracker, etc.
4. Prevent Mistakes That Land You Back in Jail
You should always hire a criminal defense lawyer before you’re released on bail. Aside from all of the reasons shown above, hiring them this early will stop you from making critical mistakes that land you back in jail.
For example, you may be unaware that sharing information about your arrest on social media could land you back in jail. Or, you don’t know that missing court dates will void the terms of your release on bail and send you back to a cell. Even something like crossing city or state borders can void the terms and initiate a warrant for your arrest.
There’s a lot for you to learn, but a criminal defense attorney will guide you through the post-bail process. With their help, you’ll avoid making mistakes that void bail and leave you in a sticky situation.
5. More Time To Produce The Best Outcome
Most of all, you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer early in your case because it gives them the most amount of time to produce results. It is far harder for an attorney to argue in your favor if you bring them in a few days before you’re due to go to court. They have less time to gather the facts and create a narrative that helps you see the best outcome possible.
On the other hand, if they’re there from the beginning, they can start framing things in your favor. They’ve got more time to collect evidence and speak to witnesses – and they can also use their contacts to see what the arguments against you will look like. It’s all about having the best preparation possible, which can help your case be dismissed, charges dropped, or ensure you get a reduced sentence.
All in all, you can see the benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer and how making a swift decision can save your case. If you need advice or representation for criminal defense charges, feel free to get in touch with us today or call us at 505.464.4844.