What to Expect From a Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you face criminal charges, the experience can be terrifying and stressful. You may not know what the future holds or how you should counter these charges at first, which is where a criminal defense attorney comes in handy. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will help you navigate your case and strengthen your side of the story. Here are things you should expect from your criminal defense attorney.

Proven Experience

Whether you face charges for driving while intoxicated, assault, or a drug crime, choose a criminal attorney who has handled several similar cases. For instance, hiring an attorney with more experience in drug crime won't help if you get arrested for drunk driving. When having your first consultation, address any fears or worries you might have to hire a lawyer who understands your needs.

Good References

If you have begun hunting for a criminal attorney, reading previous clients' testimonials is the best way to narrow down your search. In any case, they are people who were in the same shoes as you. Also, previous clients will provide a genuine and upfront account of the experience with the attorney. The more positive reviews they get, the higher the attorney's probability of winning your case.

Able to Negotiate the Imposed Sentence

The best criminal attorney should negotiate the imposed sentence. The attorney deliberates with the judge and the prosecution to determine ways to commute the sentence.

The attorney may, for example, recommend a sentence that will save the plaintiff from spending the whole year in jail for a conviction of drug possession. When accepted, the guilty person may get only six months in prison and six months in rehab. The attorney will claim that this sentencing arrangement is a win-win for both the defendant and the state.

Confidential and Consistent Communication

When you hire a criminal attorney to represent your case, you want to ensure they communicate well. You do not want to be in the dark about the progress of your case. Your lawyer should inform you of any crucial updates in your case and what you should prepare for moving forward.

Also, your lawyer needs to keep every matter about your case confidential between the two of you. If you see any gaps in communication when talking to a lawyer and you are uncertain if they will keep your case confidential, consider choosing another lawyer.

Able to Predict the Outcome

A defense attorney has the knowledge and training to give the accused person a reality check. The attorney knows what is going on during a criminal trial far better than the plaintiff. As a result, the lawyer can forecast a case's outcome and the verdict the judge is likely to give. These forecasts and reality checks can assist a criminal defendant contemplating a prosecutor's plea bargain in making an informed decision.

High Confidence

The last thing you should do when accused of a crime is to lose hope at the beginning. You need to be confident in your beliefs and have an attorney who shares the same views. If your case gets to trial, that setting can be unnerving. So, it's crucial to select a criminal defense attorney who is confident in their capabilities and can keep calm.

Regardless of the charges you face, your first step should be to make sure you have hired a reputable and well-respected criminal defense attorney. When you know you have the best attorney for the task by your side, you will have peace of mind.

Mark J. Geiger, Attorney at Law, has been practicing criminal law in Salem, Oregon, for over 30 years. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.