When you've been charged with a crime, it's more important than ever to remember your constitutional right to an attorney. Securing competent counsel is the surest way to protect yourself as you enter the legal process. While you may want to defend yourself in minor matters, always seek professional legal advice under any of the following circumstances.

You're Overwhelmed

Criminal laws and statutes can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you face harsh consequences. If you feel in over your head with the intricacies of the legal process, seek a defense attorney. Not only do they understand the minutiae of the law, but they also have intimate familiarity with the court procedures in your jurisdiction.

You Face Jail Time

If incarceration is on the table for your particular offense, an attorney provides your best chance of avoiding this fate. They can negotiate plea deals, argue effectively for leniency and in some cases argue successfully to throw out your case. If it goes to trial, a criminal defense lawyer is your best hope for a favorable verdict.

Your Case Involves Bodily Injury

Violent crimes and those resulting in grievous injury tend to result in harsher punishments and lengthier sentences. In these cases, it's crucial to hire an assault lawyer with a track record for favorable outcomes in bodily injury cases, as they will understand the best strategies to overcome this bias.

If any of the above situations apply to you, let defense attorney Larry Koss of the Larry R. Koss Law Firm help. Based in Brockport, New York, Attorney Koss has been representing clients in Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee Counties for more than four decades. Call (585) 637-3961 to schedule a consultation and visit the website for more information about the benefits of hiring an attorney to handle your criminal case.