In many situations, the key to success is knowing who to ask for help. However, this is particularly important when facing criminal charges. If you’re wondering whether hiring a criminal defense lawyer is worth it, consider the following reasons to turn to a legal professional.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help You?

1. Years of Experience

To become a practicing lawyer, an attorney will need a four-year undergraduate degree and a three-year law school degree. Then, they'll have to pass the bar exam, intern at a firm, and earn a license. No matter how many books or articles you read about your charges, you won't have time to gain this knowledge before your case goes to court. By hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you can take advantage of their years of study and enter the courtroom with peace of mind.

2. Extensive Investigative Resources

To disprove or diminish your charges, your criminal defense lawyer will exhaust all potential avenues of research. For example, if you were charged with a DUI, they can find security camera footage or call their contacts in law enforcement for police body cam and vehicle footage. They can also use their time and investigative resources to track down witnesses, study tire marks, and analyze the field sobriety testing results. With the time, network, and financial resources to get to the bottom of your case, you'll have a much more promising chance.

3. Plea Guidance

If the prosecution has a strong case, your attorney may be honest about your chances of evading a sentence. If they don't look promising, your criminal defense lawyer might suggest a plea deal. In this case, they would negotiate a lighter sentence with the prosecutor if you plead guilty. They'll have experience working out these deals, and they can let you know the consequences of pleading guilty to a crime. They may have even established relationships with prosecutors in the past, which will give you an advantage in the negotiations.

If you believe you need a criminal defense lawyer, reach out to The Law Offices of H.A. (Alec) Carpenter IV. Since 1997, this Greensboro, NC, attorney has been helping clients work toward a brighter future. Whether you were charged with a DUI, theft, or battery, he’ll be available 24/7 to address your concerns. To learn more about his areas of practice, visit their website. You can also call (336) 333-5255 to schedule a consultation today.