If you have been charged with a criminal offense or even just accused of committing a crime, you may be wondering if you need an attorney. The answer (to cut to the chase) is yes, but the reasons may be even more compelling than you first suspected.
The consequences of talking
It’s easier than you might imagine to say the wrong thing during a criminal arrest or interrogation. Law enforcement officers are trained to trip up criminal suspects and even a perfectly innocent person may say something that ends up causing them significant trouble. With a knowledgeable attorney on your side, you can know what to say and what not to say when the stakes are at their highest.
Avoiding lasting damage
Even a minor criminal offense can wind up costing you dearly in terms of future employment and educational opportunities. A skilled defense lawyer can identify opportunities to mitigate the lasting damage of a charge or conviction, so you can more easily put this matter behind you when the legal proceedings have ended.
Getting the right information
Your imagination can run wild during an intense situation such as a criminal arrest. You may have heard things or read information online that paints a worse or better picture than the actual reality you face. Your attorney can help you separate fact from fiction so you can understand the true nature of the charges you face and the potential penalties.
An ally in your time of need
Another reason to hire an attorney after a criminal arrest is simply to have an ally in your corner during a difficult time. You don’t have to face this crisis alone. A good criminal defense lawyer can serve as a trusted ally while giving you a strong voice in the criminal justice system.