Facing Criminal Charges? How a Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

 
Even when you cannot afford one, you can ask the judge to assign you a public defender, but it can be better to go with a private lawyer. For a case involving criminal charges, speaking to Bloomington criminal lawyer Omeed Berenjian is a good move. This guide highlights the difference a lawyer makes in a case and could be a good read before you think of going without one.

Offering Legal Advice

As a layperson in legal matters, an arrest can be quite disorienting, and you may not know what to say or expect, and the closest you can get to knowing is what the police tell you. While the police may share with you the basis required by law, they may leave out details that give them the upper hand when dealing with you.
Engaging a Bloomington criminal lawyer early on in your case can help put you up to speed with your charge and what you can expect, including your rights. Besides highlighting your rights, they will ensure no one tramples on them.

Evaluating Your Case

A general evaluation gives your lawyer a rough idea of your case. But they will need to do more than a quick scan to develop a winning strategy; this is where a lawyer's skill in case evaluation comes in.
Case evaluation includes examining the prosecution's evidence regarding collection methods and admissibility, the circumstances of your arrest, and every other aspect that allows them to understand the full scope of the case.

Evidence Gathering

The law requires the prosecution to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt to get a conviction, and evidence plays a critical role. So, the first job of your lawyer is to evaluate the prosecution's evidence and find ways to poke holes in it.

 
However, they may also need to introduce their evidence to the case, including interviewing witnesses, conducting forensic analysis, and engaging private investigators to gather information to help build a solid defense.

Negotiating With the Prosecution

Facing criminal charges doesn't always mean your case will go to trial, where you stand before the judge and jury to counter the prosecution's case. Over 95 percent of all criminal cases end in a plea deal, which involves the defendant taking a guilty plea to a lesser charge or pleading no contest to a charge for a reduced penalty.

So, in essence, the defendant will be waiving their right to a trial. Plea deals involve some negotiations based on each side's strength. A lawyer can make pretty accurate predictions based on the circumstances of a case. Their knowledge gives an upper hand in negotiations and improves the chances of a desirable outcome.

Representation in Court

The court is the most challenging part of the criminal procedure. There is paperwork, preparing witnesses, cross-examination, making arguments, countering arguments, and much more.

 
TV and movie scenes make court proceedings look easy. In real life, they are everything but easy. Even when incarceration is not on the table, a conviction for a crime can mean a permanent criminal record, which could haunt you for the rest of your life.

 
Having a lawyer represent you in court makes a huge difference since they handle every legal jargon on your behalf. While they cannot always guarantee what you want, they can improve your odds of a fair outcome by a big margin.

Conclusion

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but a skilled lawyer can safeguard your rights, evaluate your case, and develop a strong defense strategy. From evidence gathering to court representation and plea negotiations, their expertise significantly enhances your chances of a fair outcome. Having a knowledgeable advocate ensures you’re not navigating the legal system alone.