Best Answers To Your Criminal Defense FAQS- Guest Post

A run in with the criminal justice system is easily one of the most stressful situations you can find yourself in. Regardless of the reason for the arrest and the circumstances surrounding your case, you will need all the help you can get if you want to achieve the best possible outcome.

It’s never a good idea for the accused to represent himself in court. Aside from the obvious reasons (i.e., lack of knowledge, skill, resources, etc.), the prosecution is known to seek for the severest possible penalties for criminal cases. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you obtain a lighter charge, if not eliminate your criminal charges altogether.

The criminal justice system in the United States can move swiftly, which is why you need to find a lawyer as soon as possible — ideally, immediately after your arrest. This is a crucial step if you want to protect your rights and fight the charges against you. Also, never disclose details about the incident to anyone, except for your lawyer. You have the right to refuse to answer any questions the police ask you. Anything you say can potentially be used against you in court.

If you can’t afford to hire your own attorney, the court will assign you a public defender. Financial advantages aside, however, going with a court-appointed attorney may not be the best choice. Public defenders often juggle hundreds of cases at a time, which means they may not be able to give your case the time and attention it deserves. You need a reliable attorney, someone who can put in the requisite time and effort, to increase your chances of getting a favorable result.

Are you or your loved one facing criminal charges? Then you probably have thousands of questions waiting to be answered.

We know that being well-informed is important to your peace of mind, so we’ve answered some of the most frequently-asked questions about criminal defense in the infographic below.