Spending money on an attorney is sometimes the last thing people wish to do when they are facing a difficult legal situation. How do you know when you should hire an attorney, or when you should try and go it alone? The answer is simple. Attorneys know the law, and they will generally be able to get you a more satisfactory result to your case than you would be able to get alone.
In many cases, facing a legal charge can be a very unsettling and confusing ordeal…especially if you face criminal charges. A good criminal defense attorney will stick by your side throughout the entire criminal justice process and should be able to help you understand the full extend of your charge and the punishment you may face.
When you face your criminal charge alone, it is very likely that you will not know all facets of the law and you probably won’t understand the incredibly complex judicial system to the full extent that an attorney will. An attorney might also be able to challenge your arrest in certain circumstances and negotiate on your behalf for a more suitable punishment. They will also be able to advise you on how to plead your case to make it most advantageous for you. Your attorney should be concerned about you and look out for your best interest.
If you are still debating whether or not to hire an attorney, you should look at the severity of the crime you are charged with. If you have received a minor traffic ticket for blowing a stop sign, you may decide that you can face a court date alone, pay the fine, receive the points on your license and be on your way. On the other hand, if you are charged with a felony and could face time in prison, it is probably in your best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney who can act as an advocate on your behalf.
For an affordable, reputable attorney who can represent you for a variety of different offenses, please contact our attorneys for a free consultation at 734.261.7500.