Being convicted of a criminal charge can have lasting implications on your life and future, impacting everything from your ability to find a job to securing a place to live. And that's not taking into account the potential for jail time or heavy fines. Because of these serious consequences, it is imperative that an individual charged with a crime has the support of an experienced criminal lawyer. Below are a few ways a defense attorney will go to work for you.

Why You Need a Criminal Lawyer for Your Case

Professional Guidance & Advice

Criminal lawyers know the justice system inside and out: How it works, how to navigate it, and how to use it to protect their clients' rights and interests. When you hire an attorney, they will design a legal strategy that aims to get you the most positive outcome possible. This will include launching their own investigation into the case, utilizing evidence and witnesses that support your position, and negotiating with the courts and opposing counsel to get results that benefit you.

Case Preparation

It should come as no surprise that a criminal case takes a massive amount of preparation. Lawyers handle all aspects of this major task so their clients don't have to. They file all appropriate paperwork, secure court dates and venues, and ensure their clients are prepared to meet the challenges of going before judges and juries.

Court Appearances

In some situations, a criminal lawyer will be allowed to appear in court on their client's behalf, meaning that you may not even need to attend any hearings at all. This is only an option in cases where the courts have specifically waived the client's right to appear. Most often, this is in misdemeanor cases where the infraction and possible penalties are relatively minor.

Plea Bargaining

Some evidence is impossible to deny, and some defendants openly admit to committing the crime in question. In scenarios like this, plea bargaining can be the defendant's best hope of reduced punishment. Criminal defense attorneys understand the art of the plea bargain, working with prosecutors and judges to get their defendants lesser penalties in exchange for guilty pleas and time already served.

Donna C. Crooks, Attorney at Law, is here to help you take on the justice system. Based in Daleville, Alabama, she represents clients throughout the Enterprise and Dothan areas. She also offers legal counsel in family law, personal injury, and wills and estates cases. Call (334) 598-9534 or visit her website to schedule a consultation with a criminal lawyer.