The Reasons You Need a Criminal Attorney

You are in a tight situation — a very serious one. You have been arrested, gone before the court, spoken with your criminal attorney. Condolences on the fact of your pending criminal case. If you are in custody, you are entitled to a court-appointed lawyer or public defender, no matter how much money you make. As you now know, an arrest is just the start of a long, complicated process. If you were arrested and taken directly into custody, it probably felt like you were plucked out of the life you thought you were going to lead.)  You had your clothing replaced with an ill-fitting jumpsuit with orange colors that almost hide the stains.  

A Criminal Attorney Understands the Law and Legal Procedures Better than You

Let’s be honest here. You could spend a few years trying to understand the section of the law that applies to your case, as well as sub-sections and any changes over the years. When you’re fighting any kind of legal case, there is a mountain of paperwork, proper legal procedures, court documents, deadlines and other stuff that can be very time-consuming and stressful to deal with on your own. An attorney, on the other hand, has invested those years already and keeps abreast with changes and modifications in the law too. Use their training to your benefit, since their education has prepared them for this battle better than you. Attorneys are well-versed with these, so they know what kind of documents you need to bring on a certain day, how to file a plea bargain correctly and much more, saving you the time and trouble.

A Criminal Attorney Will Communicate with Other Involved Parties

If another party is involved in your case, there is a great chance that you will not want to communicate with them. They can use any of your words against you and it is not in your best interest. A criminal attorney will be able to do the talking for you. A criminal attorney will be able to talk to witnesses and find the necessary evidence to help your case. Witnesses might not be open to talking about your case right away, but the attorney will be able to make them feel more secure.

A Criminal Attorney Will Be Honest to the Courts

A criminal attorney, like all legal counsels, is an officer of the court and owes a duty of frankness to judges and juries. He or she may not knowingly make representations to courts that are untruthful. He or she is obligated to be as honest as possible when communicating with courts. He or she cannot support clients who commit perjury. Criminal attorneys must take reasonable steps to remedy known perjury by clients, which may include lawfully breaking attorney-client privilege to report it.

Your criminal attorney can also discuss the pros and cons of pleading guilty, especially when a plea bargain may be on the table. He or she can also assist with the standard steps of a criminal trial, from jury selection to providing opening statements to questioning witnesses. And if your trial does not go in your favor, criminal defense attorneys can assist you with the appeals process. If you have further questions about what a criminal attorney can do for you, schedule a consultation with one.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm
10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

What Makes an Ideal Criminal Attorney?

Criminal law is an intricate blend of state and federal statutes. Each state defines its own set of laws and punishments for state crimes. Due to the complexity of the criminal justice process, the average person is often unable to understanding the full breadth of the law or how to navigating the system on their own.

A Criminal Attorney Needs to Possess Virtue

If a criminal attorney is not caring about their client or the outcome of the case; they will not fight as hard for you. You will want to look into the guilty versus not guilty ratio for the attorney prior to hiring them. A criminal attorney, as with all lawyers, must have a high level of integrity. He must be honest with his client, keeping him informed of the progress of his case and the likely outcome of the proceedings.

A Criminal Attorney Must Have Research Skills

He must be able to conduct research -- not only legal research to find precedents and other cases with a bearing on his, but also research into the alleged crime committed by his client and circumstances that the police may have overlooked.

A Criminal Attorney Must Be Empathetic

A defense attorney that understands and can relate to the police is important as well. Knowing what the police endure and how difficult it is to get an accurate statement is always a plus. Almost as if he is putting himself or herself in the shoes of the client.

A Criminal Attorney Must Be Knowledgeable

Knowledge of the law and the ever-changing realm of it are crucial. Having a sharp mind and the ability to make quick decisions is a great characteristic. You want an attorney on hand that can make a split-second decision; especially in the courtroom in front of a judge. Having knowledge of the intricacies of the law is vital to his performance. So is his knowledge of the mannerisms and personalities of the judges who preside over his cases and the prosecutors who oppose him.

A Criminal Attorney Must Be a Good Communicator

To obtain the most effective goal of your legal battle, there should be open communication between the client and their attorney. Good communication should always be in the top five when it comes to legal representation. Making certain any criminal attorney you are interested in hiring is not only a great public speaker but also a professional when it comes to writing briefs and other pertinent documents.

Conclusion

As much as you need the criminal attorney to be honest with you, you also need to be totally honest with the him or her. Don’t be afraid to honestly answer questions asked by the attorney regarding the situation and circumstances leading up to and then after the arrest.  What you tell the lawyer is protected under attorney-client privilege, which means it can’t be used against you later in the trial. Lastly but certainly not least; you want to make sure that a criminal attorney has an excellent courtroom demeanor. Perseverance and the determination to win your case should be the most important thing on their mind.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

Criminal Attorney Fairfax VA:What Can You Expect

Facing a criminal charge is never a simple case regardless if it’s minor or major. It is then necessary to hire a criminal lawyer because they are the authorized person to do so, as required in the legal system.

You can expect more help from a criminal lawyer whom you’ve chosen to represent your case. He/She should point out the distinctive element of your case since each has differences - maybe in the argument or circumstance.

Numerous expectations also means a lot of tasks for your lawyer. So, what can you expect from your criminal lawyer during the whole legal process?

1. You should expect that your lawyer will find and hire an investigator to seek witnesses in your defense by questioning and research evidences to prove the credibility of the testimonies.

2. He/She should pursue a negotiation with the prosecutor to come up with a plea bargain for a great possibility of reducing the potential sentence and other charges.

3. If in case you are judged guilty, your lawyer should work through a good sentencing program that would save you from undertaking back the hassles of criminal justice system.

4. The concern of your lawyer also covers your personal concerns regarding the case apart from the legality of it. Your lawyer is of great help as well during rising up of emotions and temper that go along with criminal trials.

5. Expect also that your lawyer will keep you on track of what is going on in your case and the possible consequences that might occur. He/She has already set his/her mind to be objective all the time in order to keep well with the proceedings.

6. Don’t worry if you miss out some significant legal regulations because your lawyer will make sure that every action taken against you is in accordance with the law and that you’re not violating any rules as well.

What can you expect from a criminal lawyer during pre-trial?

1.  If charged of any criminal case, expect that your lawyer will guide you on how to answer questions from authorities. This is to avoid disclosing information that can be used against you in the court.

2. He/She is expected to make a deal with the court to drop charges against you if found to have insufficient evidence.

3. If you are detained pending trial because of a crime, usually you are only to be released after you pay the bail imposed by the authorities. It is expected from your lawyer to take the possibilities of convincing the court to reduce your bail or more waive it all.

You may choose to represent yourself in the court. However, being an average person, you don’t have a full grasp of how criminal justice works making it hard for you to keep up with the process and would most likely end up with a no-so-good judgement.

Seek professional and firm help from a good criminal lawyer. Work out your case with Wise & Donahue, PLC, because we don’t only give you a good legal assistance but the best instead. Visit us at 10476 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 or contact 703-934-6377.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com