A criminal lawyer often represents those who face misdemeanor and felony charges; however, they also work on serious matters such as first-degree murder and terrorism charges. If you or a loved one is under investigation for criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an attorney who understands the seriousness and complexities of such matters and has experience defending against similar types of charges.
Even though there are many qualified attorneys practicing across the country, most people cannot afford to hire a top-notch criminal defense lawyer to represent them. If you are facing any criminal charges, it is possible to hire a criminal lawyer such as those from Robert King Law at a reduced fee or on a payment plan.
Here are instances when you should hire a criminal lawyer;
When Facing Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor charges are usually less serious than felony charges and many times do not require jail time. However, they still risk fines and other penalties, such as losing a professional license. If you have been accused of a misdemeanor crime, it is in your best interest to hire a criminal defense lawyer who can help you mount a strong defense while protecting your rights.
It’s essential to consider the potential implications of a misdemeanor conviction on your employment prospects. A criminal record can have a significant Impact of Misdemeanor on Employment, potentially affecting your ability to secure certain jobs or maintain your current professional status. Therefore, seeking legal counsel is vital to explore options that can mitigate the long-term consequences of a misdemeanor charge on your career.
When Facing Felony Charges
Misdemeanor charges are serious enough to require the services of a criminal defense lawyer. Felony charges are even more serious, and you should hire an attorney as soon as possible after being accused or charged with one. The penalty for felony charges can include long-term incarceration in federal prison, not to mention serious fines and sex offender registration. Upon being accused of felony crimes, hire an attorney who can protect your rights while providing you with the legal defense you need.
In the state of Georgia, felony charges can have severe consequences, including the potential for a Level 2 Sex Offender Classification in Georgia. It’s crucial to have a skilled attorney by your side who can navigate the complexities of the legal system and work to minimize the impact of these charges on your life and future.
Terrorism Charges
If you have been accused of a terrorism-related offense, do not hesitate to contact a criminal defense lawyer. A conviction for a terrorism-related crime can result in long prison sentences and other serious penalties. An attorney who specializes in defending against terrorism charges may be able to mount a strong defense that will protect your rights while providing the legal representation you need.
When your Freedom is at Risk
Your freedom is the most important factor when deciding to hire a criminal defense lawyer. If you are facing incarceration or other severe penalties, hiring an attorney will protect your rights. A criminal defense lawyer will help prevent the conviction of innocent individuals by providing a strong legal defense and offering crucial insight when faced with plea bargaining decisions.
When you are at Risk of Losing your Business
If you own a company that is facing serious charges, you do not want to make any decisions without consulting an attorney. Your company could be shut down due to a conviction, and hiring a criminal defense attorney may be the only way to prevent this from occurring. An attorney can help you make important business decisions while protecting your rights. When considering hiring a criminal defense lawyer, take into consideration the severity of the accusation or charges against you. If freedom is at risk or you are faced with significant penalties, it is in your best interest to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible.
Arraignment
If you are facing misdemeanor charges, the first step is to be formally charged or arraigned by a judge. You will need to appear in court with your attorney so that the charges can be read, and you can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. After the arraignment, more information about your case may become available, depending on your jurisdiction.
Mandatory Representation
You are entitled to legal assistance when facing criminal charges, even if you cannot afford an attorney. You should know that there are certain cases in which a lawyer must represent you. If your case requires mandatory representation, the court will appoint and pay for a defense lawyer at no cost to you.
Pre-trial Hearings
Your criminal defense attorney may be able to prevent a trial from occurring if they can manage to win a pre-trial hearing. In some instances, the defense is only required to meet with prosecutors and present evidence for a trial date to be postponed or dismissed. This option is often more advantageous than going straight to trial because your attorney will already have more background information on your case.
Trial
Preparing for trial will be an important part of your criminal defense, but it is also time-consuming and expensive. Your attorney may need to spend months or even years preparing their case using expert witnesses while gathering evidence. They can then present this material in court in order to establish reasonable doubt. If you decide to go to trial, your attorney can accurately predict the potential outcome based on their familiarity with the court system and criminal laws.
Conviction
If you are convicted of a crime, you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side. Your attorney will try to alleviate penalties as much as possible by providing a strong defense and mitigating factors in your case. However, in some cases, a conviction cannot be avoided. When this occurs, your attorney can help you decide if going to trial or accepting a plea agreement is the best option for your future.
Key Takeaway
Felony crimes have severe penalties that could land you in federal prison for significant periods of time, not to mention the huge fines that often accompany them. If you are facing these types of charges, it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney who can provide an in-depth analysis of your case and work to reduce penalties.
In some cases, individuals are only required to complete community service or pay a fine rather than face jail time when convicted of a misdemeanor criminal offense. However, it is crucial to be represented by a defense attorney when facing any criminal charge in order to understand the potential ramifications of a guilty or not guilty plea.
Get in Touch with a Criminal Lawyer Today!
The only way to get the most out of your defense is by working with a skilled criminal defense attorney. You can speak to an experienced attorney today about your case and learn more about how they may be able to help.
