HIRING A COLORADO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Ever since humans gathered for protection and mutual benefits, there have been laws and regulations overseeing them. It is not coincidental that from the beginning of the civilization, there are those who have been running afoul of these laws. Regardless of whether you are looking for a Sophist in old Greece, the juris consulti of the Roman Empire or a criminal defense attorney in the Twenty-first Century, a person charged with a criminal offense must actively seek for a good criminal attorney. The true and perfect choice can lead to exemption and redemption; making the wrong choice, however, can result in loss of money, freedom or even worse.
It might be surprising to find out that an average American man has a 50% chance of being arrested in his lifetime. When we add American women to the equation, the probability of lifetime arrests drops to about one-third. From minor criminal offenses to major felonies, criminal prosecutions can hunt you wherever you go, making it difficult to get a job, education, or even a place to live.
Having perplexities with the law and judicial system can be frustrating, stressful, and frightening. Whether you are accused of a criminal offense or a simple violation, how will you know if you need the services of a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney? Let’s face it, hiring a Defense Attorney can be a very expensive proposition. On the other hand, the possibility of being sentenced to prison or paying substantial fines could be much more expensive. The question then remains, why is it important to hire an attorney if you have been charged with a criminal offense, and how do you select a criminal defense attorney? In the following paragraphs, we hope that we can find the right answers for you.
Who is a Criminal Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is someone who guides you through your legal problem and defends you where and when needed. The legal system can be complicated, and when you have a problem with the law, it is essential you get someone who knows the law and is able to guide you through your problem. Depending on the severity of the issue you have, the consequences could be considerably worse than spending a few thousand dollars if you decide to do it yourself. A criminal defense attorney should be one of the first calls you make when you are charged with a criminal offense or misdemeanor; representing yourself is never smart. It is important to have an attorney on your side defending your rights. An average person does not have half the knowledge and experience needed to build a case. This requires education and legal knowledge.
At What Point Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Ideally, it would be best to have a criminal defense attorney as soon as you get arrested. Although it may not be practical, it would be of great advantage to you if you talk to an attorney as soon as possible after being released after being arrested. If you are facing a more serious crime, you must immediately hire an attorney.
In most cases, however, you will have permission to leave and will receive a date when your arraignment will take place. An arraignment is a hearing where you learn what you are being accused of and you have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. You may also have an opportunity of meeting the prosecutor after the charges have been read. This is just one of the reasons why it is extremely important to have an attorney because this is a meeting you do not want to attend alone.
Talking to an attorney before arraignment will allow you to fully understand the charges against you before entering the courtroom. More importantly, you will understand the variety of punishments you may encounter if you are found guilty. This will give you an opportunity to measure the advantages and disadvantages of fighting your charge against not seeking a plea bargain.
The reasons why you should hire an attorney if you have been charged with a criminal offense are numerous. Let’s take a look at a few.
Reasons Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
Damage control
Despite how silky smooth you may be with the police, the fact remains that a Federal criminal defense attorney knows what you can and cannot say to a cop, what they can and cannot do to you, and when you need to shut up and cease talking with the cop. Most times, people think they’re doing the right thing when indeed they are making huge mistakes when dealing with the police.
The Criminal Defense Attorney is trained to be your spokesperson with the police and the prosecutor. They will prevent you from saying things that will cause you problems.
Investigation
The sooner you hire a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney; the sooner they will start to work on your case. It means keeping track of and talking to witnesses who could forget about the incident as time goes on, or receiving police reports and analyzing what the police said in their statements. They can also help prevent the investigation against you, mostly forcing you to stay quiet and not help the police.
Laws are not simple
Every crime has different elements, and each element contains a “legalese” that can be difficult to comprehend by someone who isn’t a lawyer. Furthermore, most laws connect to other laws that may contain even more complex terms. In addition, there are procedures that must be followed regardless of the law or the alleged crime. Finally, there is a case law that helps to interpret the law. How can you learn all laws, procedures and court practice if you have never been to court before? You obviously can’t, and that’s another reason to hire an attorney.
Too many defendants believe they can go to court and defend themselves. After all, they see it all the time on TV and movies. Sounds so easy; opening statements, witness interview, closing argument – not guilty. Unfortunately, it rarely works this way in real life. You need someone who knows the complexity of the crime and the courtroom.
Criminal cases move fast
A criminal case moves very fast. There are some things that the defense has to do with certain delays. The prosecution also has to do certain things at certain times. With little understanding about when motions should be filed, discoveries must be sought and completed, the witnesses and the evidence must be identified, a serious mistake can be made. A criminal defense attorney can help you.
With the few reasons why you hire a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney listed above, we’re certain you now know why you need to hire an attorney if you have been charged with a criminal offense. If charged with a criminal offense, you should get in contact with an experienced and successful Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. Hiring an attorney is the most reliable way to ensure that your rights are being protected.
If you have been arrested in Routt, Moffat, or Grand Counties and need a Defense Attorney who will fight for you, contact us now at Combs & Brown, LLC, we will forever be at your service.