Criminal defense lawyers cover a wide range of situations you may encounter. Their job is to ensure your right to be innocent until proven guilty.
How can a criminal defense attorney help you in your current situation? Let’s take a look.
What’s the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney?
First, it’s important to understand the difference between a lawyer and an attorney. As a technicality, a lawyer is someone who holds their degree, has completed the proper training, and is licensed to practice law in a specific state.
Once a lawyer starts working for a firm, they are called an attorney. It’s important to know your specific state’s requirements when working with a lawyer, as they may not be technically licensed.
Vermont, for example, allows individuals to call themselves lawyers, even if they don’t have a degree. All that’s required is a certain amount of time training at a specific law firm.
Areas of Criminal Defense
Let’s take a look at some of the different areas within criminal defense where having an attorney would be beneficial to your case.
1. DWI or DUI Charges
A DWI or DUI can lead to serious repercussions, depending on your state. A Texas criminal defense attorney, for example, would be able to help in potentially alleviating any possible jail time.
The state of Texas takes substance abuse behind the wheel very seriously, so in this case, it’s critical you hire someone to take on your case.
2. Theft
Anything from petty theft to grand theft can lead to someone filing charges. You might think something as small as shoplifting wouldn’t need to go to court, but you’d be surprised at just how little is required to spend time in jail.
Most states consider petty theft a misdemeanor that could lead to upwards of one year of jail time. Working with an attorney can bring these charges down to probation, keeping you from doing time.
3. Assault
There are different types of assault, including simple assault, domestic violence, or aggravated assault. Each of these holds a different level of repercussions.
Instead of trying to represent yourself, a criminal defense attorney can make sure you have someone doing a thorough investigation of the case. You need someone who is on your side and wholeheartedly believes you’re innocent until proven guilty.
4. Drug Offenses
Any particular charge that has to do with drugs requires the assistance of a criminal defense attorney. Because each state has very different laws, it means they also have different penalties if the charges stick.
To receive the lowest sentence possible, you’ll want to work with someone who has a history of working with drug cases. They need to be well-informed on the most recent laws. Many laws have changed since the marijuana legalization and the decriminalization of certain hallucinogenics.
Some people might be currently doing time in prison because of a drug charge. However, with the recent law changes, your case could be refuted. Working with a criminal defense attorney can provide you guidance on how to properly file an appeal.
5. Fraud
Fraud is considered any theft of a person’s finances or personal information to deceptively use on fake documents or for wrongful gain. These are serious offenses the court does not take lightly.
Criminal charges like this require the representation of a lawyer. You’ll want to make sure you’re working with an attorney who has your best interests in mind and can give you the least amount of sentence as possible.
Conclusion
There are several instances we didn’t cover where we strongly recommend working with a criminal defense lawyer, especially if this is your first time needing a lawyer. Charges such as weapons or violent felonies all deserve their day in court with a proper jury.
The most important thing when doing your research for an attorney to work with is that they’ll put in the effort to do a thorough investigation while remaining you with the dignity of being innocent until proven guilty.