Criminal Attorney

A criminal defense attorney is a privately hired or court appointed legal professional who represents the defendant in a criminal case. Prosecuting attorneys are publicly elected professionals who represent the state or federal government, depending on the nature of the crime in question. A criminal attorney provides expert counsel and legal representation to a criminal defendant in order to best serve that individual's legal interests.

The services of a criminal attorney are so vital to a defendant's case that the United States Constitution expressly guarantees the defendant's right to a criminal attorney. The Sixth Amendment of the Constitution details the rights of a defendant in a criminal case.

Sixth Amendment Rights

These rights include the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury as well as the right to:

• Be informed of the accusations and charges against them
• Right to be confronted with the witnesses against them and have witnesses heard in their favor
• Right to a criminal attorney

Criminal Attorneys: Protecting Defendant’s Rights

When a person cannot afford a criminal attorney, the court has an obligation to appoint a criminal attorney to represent the defendant. This criminal attorney has the duty of representing the defendant in order to protect and maximize their legal interests. A person also reserves the right to represent himself or herself, without the help of a criminal attorney. In most cases this option is extremely disadvantageous to a defendant.

A criminal attorney will work to ensure that a defendant's rights and legal options are not violated during the course of a criminal case. A criminal attorney can evaluate their client's case for instances where their rights have been violated.

Rights violations can involve:

• An unlawful search and seizure
• Failure to inform a person of their rights upon arrest
• Unlawful interrogation procedures
• More

Evidence of these violations can be presented to the court by a criminal attorney, which can work to the defendant's benefit.

A criminal attorney is a skilled expert in the area of criminal law. This legal professional knows the laws, legal interpretations, and legal customs applicable to a defendant's case and will use this knowledge in the defendant's favor. A criminal attorney has experience working with the prosecutors and judges in their jurisdiction and can use this knowledge to their client's favor.

What a Criminal Attorney Can Do for You

A criminal attorney can:

• Investigate your case to build the strongest and most promising defense possible.
• Hire and manage professional investigators that may be able to produce information that will discredit adverse witness testimony and provide other information to the defendant's advantage
• Negotiate with prosecutors to obtain reduced charges
• Present your case before a judge and jury
• Ensure your legal rights are protected

Contact us today to receive the legal guidance you need and deserve from a criminal attorney.

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