The role of a criminal defense lawyer is to safeguard the rights of the accused and to assure that their legal rights are protected as they navigate their way through the U.S. criminal justice system. Though not every approach taken by a criminal defense lawyer on behalf of their client may be identical, their goal should be the same: resolve the case in such a way that is most beneficial to the accused. If you have been charged with a crime or believe you are currently under investigation, we encourage you to contact a law firm for information on how their legal services may be of benefit to you.
What is the difference between a criminal defense lawyer and a public defender?
Both are criminal defense lawyers but a public defender is one who is appointed by the Court to represent a defendant who does not have the financial resources to hire a criminal defense lawyer. This is true for federal, state, and local court cases.
· When a public defender represents a client, they are paid by the public defender’s office.
· Public defenders usually earn less than a criminal defense lawyer.
· Public defenders typically have a very large case load which makes it challenging for them to focus a large amount of time on any individual client.
· A criminal defense lawyer works for themselves or is employed at a law firm.
· A criminal defense lawyer typically has more resources available to them than a public defender in terms of support staff, an extended professional network of experts who can testify on their clients’ behalf, and senior partners who can provide invaluable insight.
After I hire a criminal defense lawyer, what is the first step?
Once you have engaged the legal services of a criminal defense lawyer, they will need to know everything about your case. This may include a period of time before you charged, the arrest, and any contact you have had with law enforcement since that time. There are several reasons for why your criminal defense lawyer will need to know all relevant information about your case:
· If your legal rights were infringed in any way, this may be cause for having the charges against you dropped. For example, if the arresting officer carried out an unlawful search and seizure, this is a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. As such, any evidence seized during that event is inadmissible in a court of law. Therefore, the circumstances may dictate that the case against you is null and void if there is not any additional incriminating evidence against you.
· In order to develop the strongest possible defense case on your behalf, the details of your circumstances must be known and considered. This is your chance to be heard.
To discuss your case with a seasoned criminal lawyer in Civic Center San Francisco, CA, contact a law firm today.
Thanks to Hallinan Law Firm for their insight into criminal defense and what a lawyer can do for you.
