If you have been accused of a crime and you need legal help you need to hire a criminal attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you have a lawyer on the case the sooner you will know your rights, you will be able to devise a defense plan, and you will also have the support that you need. When you don’t have a lawyer you can actually get yourself into more trouble by making less than self protective statements.
When you hire a lawyer you will find that they need money up front to get started. This can be a little disconcerting when you are in a legal bind and you just need help, but you need to remember that the lawyer is not only the help that you need, but they also are running a business. The money that they ask for is for their services. You can shop around a bit and see where you can get the best rates. Most lawyers will allow you to make payments as you go, making your defense affordable.
Criminal lawyers will usually expect a fee upfront. This fee is usually called a retainer and it is the amount of money that they need to get started on the case. This fee can range from as little as a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand. This will need to be paid to get the lawyer on the job, finding out what the evidence is and from where the charges originated, if you don’t already know. Many people think that the retainer is all they will have to pay the lawyer, but generally this is not true, it is just a start up fee and it often goes quite quickly as new cases require a lot of work.
When your criminal defense lawyer comes on the case they will usually instruct you not to make any statements to law enforcement without them present. They will usually meet with you either in their office, or in the jail if you are in custody. Together you will create a defense plan based on what you have to say, your knowledge of the facts, and the lawyer’s knowledge of the law and how it can be used against you by the prosecution.
Hiring a criminal lawyer is an important part of defending yourself when you have been accused of a crime. Without a lawyer you could be doing yourself a great disservice, even if you know that you are not guilty of the crime you are accused of. Be sure to meet with a lawyer to discuss your options, as it will likely be the best money that you have ever spent.
By: Caitlina Fuller
Posts Tagged ‘Prosecution’
What to Expect When You Hire a Criminal Attorney
December 19th, 2009Possible Offenses & Charges – Internet Identity Theft
November 15th, 2009
Identity theft has been a crime for decades, but with the advent of the Internet, new laws are regularly be passed in regards to online identity theft. If you’ve been charged with this type of crime, it’s important to understand what you can expect.
The severity of the punishment for an Internet identity theft will typically be based on two things. Most importantly, it will be based on the amount of property or goods that were stolen. This is measured in monetary value. Second, the punishment is also likely to be based on previous conviction records. Because the charges can vary, the right criminal defense for you will be determined by the specific charge against you.
No matter how severe the charges are, it’s important to retain a criminal attorney who has experience with these charges. There are several ways they can make the process smoother for you. First of all, they’ll be able to clearly explain the charges to you. Due to the fact that these charges are often the result of new laws on the books, it can be difficult to get the information you need to know how to properly defend yourself. A lawyer will have access to information that is not readily available by doing your own research.
Keep in mind that the prosecution has access to virtually unlimited resources. Make no mistake, there are many lawyers, clerks and aides working behind the scenes to build a case against you. The only way to ensure that all of your bases are covered, and that you’re amassing the best criminal defense possible, is to hire a criminal attorney who can use their team to compete with the prosecution.
When you’re choosing a lawyer for an Internet identity case, it’s best to choose someone who has experience in similar cases. They’ll be able to use their prior research and experience to best defend your case. Ask they for information on cases they’ve handled that are similar to yours, and inquire about their success. Choose an attorney who has a proven track record of positive results.
Many people who are facing an identity theft charge worry about the cost of hiring a criminal attorney. However, when you consider the lost wages resulting from legal battle that’s drawn out longer than it needs to be, or the wages lost as a result of being imprisoned, you can see that the money spent is well worth it. Hiring the right attorney can result in an expedited process and a better result.
It’s normal, understandable and reasonable that you should be frightened and concerned when you’re charged with this type of crime. The reality though is that if you retain the best lawyer for your criminal defense, your chances of a positive outcome will be significantly improved. Not only will your outcome be more likely to be favorable, you’ll find the process much easier to deal with you have someone on your side who understands the process and can make sure you understand it as well.
By: Colin Daives