If you’ve recently been accused of a crime, it’s likely that you’re looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer. To learn more about who they are and how they operate, here are ten fast facts about criminal defense lawyers that can help shed some light on the significant work they do in the criminal justice system.
They Don’t Let Personal Feelings Stand in the Way
People often wonder how criminal defense attorneys handle the challenge of defending those charged with crimes, sometimes even heinous crimes. In order for a criminal lawyer to do their job, they become masters at keeping their personal feelings at bay. It’s important for them to support the defendant and follow through with their defense strategy, regardless of how they feel. They don’t share personal beliefs or feelings and they do not judge clients for their crimes or legal situations.
Some Have Experience as Prosecutors
Clients are often surprised to hear that some criminal defense lawyers have previously worked as prosecutors. It may seem like a drastic change to go from punishing those accused of crimes to defending them, but it’s not as odd as you think. In fact, criminal defense attorneys that are former prosecutors can bring an extra advantage to the table when it comes to negotiations and legal strategies.
They Sometimes Go Beyond Legal Support
One of the more surprising facts about criminal defense lawyers is the wide range of support they offer clients. When a defense lawyer designs a defense strategy, it’s not always limited to evidence, witness statements, or arguments. Sometimes they take the time to coach clients on the way they should speak in court, teach them ways to curb anger or outbursts, provide money for new clothes, take them for a haircut, and offer assistance in a lot of other ways.
They Put a Lot of Thought Into Jury Selection
Defense lawyers and prosecutors will often attempt to make deals to avoid going to trial. But when a case does go to trial, criminal defense lawyers do not pick jurors at random. There’s a lot of thought and research that goes into choosing a member of the jury. They look out for things like potential biases, deceptive details, or misrepresentations during the jury selection process. A criminal defense lawyer can detect small details that could lead to negative results for their client, so they take jury selection very seriously.
They’re Not Against Public Defenders
Despite the fact that criminal defense lawyers will urge clients to choose them over a public defender, it doesn’t mean there’s bad blood between private criminal attorneys and public defenders provided by the government. They know that public defenders sometimes get a bad reputation, but most criminal lawyers believe that public defenders work hard and can provide a solid defense strategy.
They Commit to Attorney-Client Privileges
One of the principal facts about criminal defense lawyers is that they take attorney-client privileges seriously and commit to them wholeheartedly. This means that any communication that takes place between a client and their attorney remains confidential. This includes any communication that’s oral or written. So when a client speaks to them in confidence, whether it be face-to-face, over the phone, text message, or email, it will not be disclosed.
They Can Practice in Other Areas of Law
Once a lawyer is admitted by the bar, they’re free to practice in any area of law that they wish. It’s common for a criminal defense attorney to practice in other areas, such as immigration or family law. Not all defense attorneys practice outside of criminal law, but some will choose to do so.
The Most Expensive Criminal Defense Lawyer is Not Necessarily the Best One
There’s a common misconception that the most expensive criminal defense attorney can offer the best defense, but that’s not necessarily true. There are a lot of exceptional attorneys out there that offer outstanding criminal defense strategies, but don’t cost as much as the big-name firms. It is possible to still get excellent legal support without losing all of your savings.
Most Criminal Defense Attorneys Enjoy a Challenging Case
You may find yourself in a tricky legal situation and assume that there’s no hope for your case, but a ri criminal lawyer will most likely be happy to take it on. They’re famous for thriving in tough situations and they often invite a challenge. Even those who have been accused of serious felonies with evidence stacked against them can find a criminal defense lawyer that’s excited to take on the case and prepared to defend them.
You Have a Constitutional Right to a Criminal Defense Attorney
One of the most important facts about criminal defense attorneys is that you have the right to obtain one. As stated in the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to … have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” If you’ve been accused of a crime, it’s important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible and refrain from speaking to anyone about your case until you’ve obtained proper defense.