In a criminal case, the prosecution, defense, and the judge are the key roles. The prosecutor convicts those found guilty of a crime. A judge can serve as a neutral referee, though can still make biased decisions. A Rochester criminal defense lawyer defends the accused to the best of their ability. They inform their clients about their rights and represent them in court. Also, they can pursue a plea bargain for the accused or fight for them at trial. If you have been accused of a crime, you must pick an attorney wisely. Who you choose will affect the outcome of your case.
The Importance of Having Legal Representation When Facing a Criminal Charge
If you are facing a possible conviction, you must hire the right lawyer to defend you. Keep in mind that each state prosecutor has the government’s weight behind them. Prosecutors can depend on the police to investigate your case for them. Plus, they may have the support of powerful officials. As you face so much adversity, you should not try to take on the challenge by yourself. You can only have the best chances of securing an acquittal if you have an attorney fighting for you.
What to Expect from Your Lawyer?
Your criminal defense lawyer will take on a lot of tasks for you. These include the following:
- Evaluating your case. To defend you in a criminal case, your attorney must conduct a thorough investigation. They will evaluate all aspects of the charges brought against you. Your lawyer will determine what exactly took place and evaluate the strength of the evidence presented by the other side.
- Gathering evidence. Once your attorney has reviewed your arrest, they will compile the evidence that can prove your innocence. This could include witness testimony and exculpatory video evidence.
- Building a strong case. After considering the circumstances and facts of your case, your attorney will start building a winning case. They can use different strategies that suit your case.
- Speaking with prosecutors. Some criminal cases don’t end up at trial. Your attorney can try to resolve your charge without going to court by discussing it with the prosecution. They could speak with prosecutors about having your charges dismissed. Sometimes, they could ask for the reduction of your charges or the potential of a plea bargain.
- Representing you in court. Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will fight for you. If you hire the right lawyer, you have a good chance of prevailing at trial.