Facing criminal charges is not only stressful, it can be a very confusing process. You may or may not be guilty, but what steps do you need to take first?
The first thing you need to do is hire a qualified criminal lawyer. If you’re not sure if you actually need a lawyer, here’s a guide to assist you in knowing what to do.
Different Types of Criminal Charges
There are several different types of criminal charges in the state of Florida. For example, if you hit another person, you could be facing assault or domestic violence charges. If you were arrested for driving under the influence or taking drugs, these are also criminal charges. If you are facing a misdemeanor or felony criminal charge, you don’t want to go through the process without having a qualified lawyer to represent you.
When you are charged with your crime, they will notify you whether or not you are facing actual criminal charges or just facing a lesser penalty. If the charges are considered criminal, you need to take action to build your defense.
Why You Need a Lawyer
It is absolutely vital to hire a lawyer when you are facing criminal charges. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can either defend themselves or that they should just plead guilty and get the whole thing over with. It is very important to remove emotion from your decision. You need to remain logical in order to have a chance to fight the charges against you.
Even if you acknowledge your guilt and wish the whole thing would just go away, you still need to have someone defending you. Failing to secure an attorney can mean having to face much stricter penalties and could have life altering changes for your future. For example, if you are convicted of a felony, you’re going to find it difficult to get a job. With a lawyer, you have the chance that it could be plead down to a simple misdemeanor.
What a Criminal Lawyer Does
A criminal lawyer is specially trained to deal with cases involving criminal law. They have the background and experience in successfully representing defendants against the state. Criminal defense attorneys are experienced in dealing with the burden of proof. This means that in the state of Florida, it is necessary for the state to prove to the court, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are indeed guilty of the charges that have been brought against you.
Your defense lawyer will work hard to prove either that the charges were false, or that you are not deserving of the harshest penalties associated with those charges. Once you decide to hire a lawyer, they will sit down and interview you about your case. They’ll ask questions that will help them build your defense.
They will gather witnesses who can be used to defend you in the court system and find a way to prove that you are innocent of the charges or not deserving of the charges that have been levied against you.
The right criminal lawyer can have a huge impact on your future. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to the right representation as soon as possible.
