Every day millions of people around the world get involved in crimes and get caught. As simple as it may sound, it is not easy to get away from the hands of the law. When you are accused of a crime, the penalties might be severe. It is also a good idea to speak with a criminal defense lawyer so that they can review your case and counsel you on how to continue. Criminal attorneys can often specialize in a variety of areas that might benefit both you and your case. Before you engage in a relationship with a lawyer, you should know what they do:
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Who Is a Criminal Lawyer, And What Do They Do?
There are different kinds of crimes. Misdemeanors and felonies are the two major types of criminal laws that require a criminal attorney. They will study your case and represent you in front of the court until the judge reaches a decision.
What Is a Misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a less severe offense. The accused usually gets off the case with a fine or imprisonment lasting less than a year. Some examples of misdemeanors are:
- Minor drug offense
- Drunk driving
- Petty theft
- Vandalism
- Resisting arrest
- Indecent exposure
What Is a Felony?
Felonies are more serious crimes, and if a person is found guilty of committing them, they may end up in jail for multiple years. Some of them may even face the death penalty. Some examples of felonies are:
- Kidnapping
- Burglary
- Murder
- Arson
- Treason
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Different types of fraud
Charges of A Criminal Lawyer
Now it depends upon the type of lawyer you are trying to hire. Some people contact one directly, while others look for an agency to provide them with the best criminal lawyer that fits the budget. Most of the criminal attorney’s charge by the hour, while others have a fixed price depending upon the number of sessions or time spent on the case.
An advance-fee is paid by the client to the lawyers. The rates are also entirely dependent on the complexity of charges and the type of case at hand. Make sure that you negotiate with the attorney or the agency before hiring them for the job.
Typically, a person is expected to pay around $150 to $750 an hour. Based on this, you should save up to 15 grands to adequately cover the attorney’s fee. A white collar crime attorney may charge even more.
How Does a Criminal Lawyer Work?
A criminal lawyer will emphasize understanding the case at hand. They will represent you at the court and defend your cause until one party is considered guilty. Even if you are the guilty party (which your lawyer probably knows about), they will still try their best to prove your innocence or at least reduce your sentence to a more acceptable number. When selecting a lawyer to represent you, it is crucial to tell them each and everything about your case. Your lawyer will ask you each and every detail regarding the case and question the volunteers and the witnesses.
Criminal Attorneys and Weak Cases
When you are guilty of conducting a misdemeanor or a felony, the attorney needs to know everything about it. They will tell you in advance whether you can win the case or not. However, they can offer you some really useful advice on settlement and portraying your case in court. Sometimes with a good lawyer, the judges are convinced to shorten your sentence and reduce the charges. So, even if you are guilty of something, do not hesitate to contact an affordable lawyer.
Hiring A Criminal Lawyer for Felonies
As mentioned above, felonies can be a huge crime that can result in an insane amount of punishment. Let’s say you got in a major crime. What are the consequences of that? Suppose you wind up in court and are arrested because of a felony. In that case, you can hire a criminal defense attorney in Orlando who can prove your innocence, reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, obtain you a reduced term, or place you in a better institution. For a misdemeanor, your lawyer will argue that penalties or community service are preferable to jail time.
Though there’s no assurance that the result will benefit you, it is a good idea to contact a criminal defense attorney familiar with the court system. A lawyer’s assistance will considerably improve your prospects of lowering your sentence or winning your case.
Finding The Right Lawyer
If you are looking for the perfect white-collar crime attorney to handle any kind of crime you are a part of, here are some steps to finding the right person in your budget:
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Finding a qualified lawyer who can effectively assist you with your specific situation may be difficult. You won’t be able to find a decent lawyer by just browsing in the phone directory or reading an ad. However, you need to understand that there is not enough information for you to make an ideal judgment. Some sources or advertisements are:
- Social media ads
- Billboards
- Newspaper
- Television
Referrals
One of the better ways to find a criminal attorney is by a personal referral. You can always seek guidance from people who have been in a similar situation as you are. Ask your personal and professional contacts about the best lawyers they know. Suppose you talk to almost everyone around you who needs a lawyer. In that case, it is possible to retain some really great leads.
Now, getting a referral doesn’t mean that it will be your final decision. Different people are going to have different responses towards certain things. Some may not like the way a lawyer is managing the case, while for others, the same lawyer could be a lifesaver.
Just by looking at a lawyer or their online profile, you cannot make a good decision. Before finalizing everything, go and meet them, have a one-on-one conversation, and see if they are able to work for you or not.
Business Referrals
Businesses that mostly deal with legal services can help you find a reasonable attorney for your issues. If you are looking for someone to defend you in a professional crime, your company can recommend a good lawyer who can go a long way to solving your problems.
Characteristics to Consider About a Crime Lawyer
When you have relevant leads stacked, it is time to interview your criminal attorney to find the one who will be a perfect person to represent your case. Here are some traits to consider when choosing a crime attorney:
- Make notes on the contact between you and your attorney. Your chemistry matters a lot because you may be working for a long time.
- Discuss how you will get in touch with the attorney.
- Judge their willingness to work with you during the interview.
- Understand their professionalism because of how they communicate with you.
Conclusion
Crime attorneys help people handle criminal cases. Whether you are guilty or not, finding someone to represent you in court will actually help you reduce your sentence and get more acceptable compensation for everything. Whether you have conducted a misdemeanor or a felony, it is always important to seek legal help.
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