There is a lot of confusion as to what a criminal defense attorney does. In fact, we often joke that everyone hates a criminal defense attorney until they need one. The truth of the matter is that criminal defense attorneys play a very important role in our legal system that is vital to everyone, whether they have been charged with a crime or not.
In this blog, we will talk a little bit about what a criminal defense attorney does and how they can help. Like all of our blogs, this blog is intended for informational purposes only, and not intended as a substitute for the advice and counsel of a criminal defense attorney.
The role of a criminal defense attorney when you have been charged with a crime
There are numerous crimes, with numerous consequences that the general public is just not trained to be aware of. Also, jurisdiction has a lot to do with criminal charges. If you have been charged with a crime in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for example, you need a criminal defense attorney who is licensed in South Carolina and understands South Carolina criminal law.
A lawyer can give you advice on what to expect, what kind of trouble you might be facing, what the elements of the crime that you have been accused of are, and numerous other things.
The role of a criminal defense attorney during your case
During your case, a criminal defense attorney is your adviser, your strategist, and your counselor. A criminal defense attorney evaluates the discovery that is provided by the government (the evidence against you), advises you on whether or not to take a specific plea, and handles your criminal trial if you were to decide to have one.
He or she can advise you on sentencing, collateral consequences, jury selection, and everything surrounding your criminal case. Further, all your conversations are privileged and will not be used against you unlike statements you make to anyone else.
The role of a criminal defense attorney for the general public
All the above-mentioned items, while important, do not apply to everyone. There is a large number of people out there that are never charged with crimes and do not think they will every need a criminal defense attorney. The truth of the matter is a criminal defense attorney helps everyone by protecting the constitutional rights of their clients.
This protection provided to those charged with a crime help everyone because it ensures that everyone’s constitutional rights are taken seriously. The harder a criminal defense attorney makes it for someone’s liberties to be stripped away, the more it keeps our civil liberties intact.
Criminal defense attorneys are important to everyone. They play a vital role in our society that is unique and hard to replace. If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney in North Carolina or South Carolina, contact us.
