If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer right away. Generally speaking, the sooner you hire an attorney, the better the odds are for a successful outcome to your case. Here are a few ways hiring a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible will benefit you.

3 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately

1. They Will Explain Your Options

An experienced lawyer will quickly review your case, explain what to expect if it goes to trial, and lay out your options. They will also have an in-depth understanding of the applicable laws, tell you if your rights were violated in any way, and advise you on what to expect if you plead guilty or are convicted.

2. They Will Start Trial Preparation

If you intend to plead “not guilty,” the sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they will be able to start preparing for trial. Trial preparation is a lengthy process, as it includes examining the evidence, gathering statements and finding witnesses to testify on your behalf, and preparing arguments. You will want to make sure you have the best possible defense prepared, and a good part of this is simply making sure you hire an attorney soon enough for them to build a strong case for you.

3. They Will Negotiate on Your Behalf

If you’ve been arrested but have not yet been charged with a crime, your lawyer may be able to step in and negotiate with law enforcement to get them to drop or lower the charges. If you’ve already been charged with a crime and intend to plead guilty, a lawyer can help you try to obtain a plea bargain for a lower sentence. Even if you are convicted, your legal representative will continue to negotiate on your behalf to work out a deal so you serve less prison time. 

With more than 75 years of combined legal experience, the firm of Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. in Lake St. Louis, MO, has the know-how to help you when you’re in trouble. The firm practices in many areas, including criminal defense, family law, and personal injury law. Call them today at (636) 561-5599 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website to learn more about their criminal defense services and results.