When Is the Right Time To Hire A Criminal Defence Lawyer?
Being on the wrong side of the law can be scary, especially when you might be facing drug charges, a DWI or DUI, or something equally as serious. While your thoughts might be on jail time and the severe consequences of your actions, it can also be worth thinking about hiring a defence lawyer, especially if any of the following situations play out.
You’ve Been Arrested
As you may not be experienced with criminal law or how it works, contacting a criminal defence attorney can be crucial as soon as you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime like a DUI.
Serious penalties can be associated with such a crime if you are convicted, such as jail time, losing your driver’s license, and fines. Even though you may be told legal intervention isn’t required in the early stages, it can be. Your lawyer can ensure that your constitutional rights are being protected in state and federal criminal cases.
You’re Being Tried in Court
Depending on the charges you’re facing, you may see the value in hiring a lawyer to represent you during the criminal trial process. For example, if you’re facing a sex offence, you may hire a sex offence lawyer or a DVPO attorney for a breach. They can use their experience within the judicial system to provide you with the best possible outcome, which might be reducing your sentence or getting the charges dropped altogether.
Something Doesn’t Seem Fair
You may require the help of a criminal defence lawyer if you believe something is unfair enough to require filing a motion. For example, if the only evidence tying you to a crime was gathered through force, you may request that your Haywood County lawyer file a motion to suppress evidence. This is not something you can typically manage independently, as suppressing evidence in serious crimes can involve cross-examining the arresting police officer.
Fairness can also extend to your previous convictions. You may be able to file a motion to strike a prior conviction for the chance to benefit from a less severe penalty. Again, this can require the help of an experienced lawyer.
You Want to Use an Expert Witness
An expert witness is a professional in a particular industry that can cast doubt over your innocence or guilt. If you are aiming for the best outcome possible, you might hire a lawyer who can find expert witnesses to add strength to your case. It’s worth noting that many DUI trials involve an expert witness to prove the charges against you, so there’s no harm in helping yourself by doing the same thing.
You Aren’t Sure What to Do Next
If you’ve never been on the wrong side of the law before, it’s only natural to be scared, stressed, and unsure about what to do next. The police might tell you that you don’t need a lawyer, but they may also cause you to say something that can be used as evidence against you. To avoid uncertainties and potentially put you in a better position to achieve the best outcome, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can provide you with helpful information so that you understand what steps to take next.
The right time to hire a criminal defence lawyer is sooner rather than later. The faster you make the call, the quicker you can be supported and guided through the sometimes-daunting legal system.
