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Common Cases in Need of a Criminal Defense Attorney

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Common Cases in Need of a Criminal Defense Attorney

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Criminal defense attorneys defend individuals who have been charged with committing a crime; these crimes can range in severity from different classes of misdemeanors to various felonies, and the penalties for which can vary widely as well from monetary fines to prison time.

There is a common misconception that criminal defense attorneys can’t do much for someone who is guilty of whatever they have been accused of; however, this is not the case. A criminal defense attorney doesn’t just argue for the guilt or innocence of the accused individual; in many cases, a criminal defense lawyer may argue for a different sentencing or penalty to be applied in line with what is just and fair for the offense.

It can be hard to know when a criminal defense lawyer is called for. As a general rule, if there is any doubt about whether or not you need a lawyer, it’s a good idea to reach out. The law is complicated and varies from state to state, both in criminal definitions and the type of penalties attributed to different violations. A criminal defense lawyer can give you a better idea of your options as well as the possibility of charges being dropped or achieving a reduced sentence. Criminal defense attorneys can also give someone the best chance at expunging their criminal record or reducing convictions to protect an individual’s future opportunities.

Common charges which can benefit from the help of a criminal defense attorney include:

  • DUI charges
  • Alcohol charges (i.e. public intoxication, open container, minor in possession alcohol, etc.)
  • Drug charges
  • Fraud charges
  • Indecent exposure charges
  • Trespassing charges
  • Vandalism charges
  • Threat charges
  • Resisting arrest charges
  • Perjury charges
  • Prostitution charges
  • Theft charges
  • Assault and battery charges (especially if it occurred in self-defense)
  • Homicide charges

A criminal defense attorney does more than just argue for a charge to be dropped.

If a criminal defense attorney cannot entirely clear their client, this does not mean there is nothing they can do for them. In many cases, it may be possible to have the charge itself reduced, even from a felony to a misdemeanor. The penalties associated with different types of charges tend to decrease as well. In the event that a charge cannot be reduced, an attorney may argue to have the sentence itself reduced. These changes and reductions can make a big difference for the individual, and may even increase the chances of having their record expunged at a greater time.

A criminal defense lawyer can also advise their client on what steps to take after the trial to increase their chances at a later reduction or expungement. For example, when someone is convicted and assigned probation, the possibility that their record can later be expunged increases significantly when the probation is completed successfully. This is another matter in which a criminal defense attorney can be invaluable.

To learn more about criminal charges that can benefit from the help of an attorney, reach out to a criminal defense attorney in your area.

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