Getting arrested is undoubtedly a terrifying experience. Not only do you feel that your world is upside down, but the prospects of spending part of your life incarcerated in prison can be nerve-wracking. If you find yourself in such a situation, the best thing you can do is hire a defense attorney, regardless of your innocence or guilt. The good thing is that the law allows you to be accorded with a lawyer whenever you don’t have one.
Therefore, how can a criminal defense attorney in Tampa help? It’s of paramount importance to remember that once you are charged with an offense (a mostly criminal offense), your lawyer will not only be your closest companion, but he will be your advisor as well. Generally, your defense attorney will be the only thing keeping you away from a prison or jail!
Let’s take a look at how a defense lawyer can help you and other people stay away from lock up.
Defense Attorneys Help to Navigate the Criminal Law System
In many countries, the Criminal justice system is complicated, especially in the US system, where almost every state develops its own unique criminal law system with different laws. Therefore, it can be quite tricky and tormenting for anyone with little or no understanding of how the justice system of a particular state works.
Ideally, whenever you attend an initial hearing in a court of law, the prosecutor will seek to know whether you accept or deny the charges. Depending on how you reply to this question, you can end up serving a longer jail term than is necessary. However, with an attorney by your side, you will be guided on what to say and how to respond to questions presented to you by the prosecutor. This way, you won’t entangle or incriminate yourself further.
Defense Attorneys Help Negotiate Acceptable Terms
Once you hire an attorney, you should know that your lawyer will work tooth and nail to ensure that you walk scot-free from any legal charges. However, this is not the case in some situations. Some criminal charges, such as murder, warrant for a specified jail term. While this is the case, the penalties are not always fixed. With the help of an attorney, you can get your charges revised to a lighter sentence or penalty. As if that’s not enough, an attorney will help you mitigate the penalty’s impact on your actual life.
A Defense Lawyer Is a Trusted Advisor
Before delving further, it’s important to note that attorney-client privilege is an actual thing. Due to this, you can confide in your attorney on any information about your case, the possible charges you will receive, and even on personal matters. Once you confess to your attorney on any confidential information, you can rest assured that all your secrets will be kept secured under attorney-client privileges. Your lawyer cannot be compelled by any party to divulge any information you confided in him.
To come out a victor, it’s of utmost importance to give your defense attorney an honest account of your charges. By doing so, your attorney will be in a better position to not only advise you on what steps to take but prepare a formidable plan for your defense. Remember that your attorney is your trusted advisor, and the more information they have about your charges, the better your chances of winning the case.
In a Nutshell
Defense attorneys are essential people in society. They help people in so many ways, including making sure that justice is served rightfully, amongst many other ways. Whenever you are arrested, it’s essential first to consult a defense attorney. Since an attorney is your trusted advisor, you will be able to get advice on how to maneuver through the challenges of a legal system.