It is easy to see the lawyer as your enemy when accused of a crime. The person will fight hard to make sure you go to jail or get hit with the harshest sentence possible. Your criminal defense attorney has a very different role in this situation. When deciding how to proceed with your case, they will consider all aspects of law, including constitutional rights and restrictions on the government’s power. A good criminal defense attorney is an advocate for their clients not only during proceedings but before charges are even laid out by offering legal advice on what actions should be taken to protect yourself from coming under suspicion of committing any crimes at all.
- The first duty of an experienced defense attorney is always to make sure his client’s constitutional rights are not violated during the legal process. This means ensuring you have a speedy trial, protection from incriminating yourself, and your right to remain silent. Therefore, when faced with criminal charges, ensure you seek advice from relevant law offices, for example, Law Office of Genine Ann Mejia, to assist you with the case proceedings.
- The second duty is to ensure their client receives a fair trial by ensuring the evidence against them is solid and free of bias. They must ensure that any evidence obtained illegally, including through warrants or illegal phone tapping, is excluded as evidence in court and protect their client from answering questions put forth by the prosecution during cross-examination.
- In addition to these two principal rules, a criminal defense lawyer will also use avenues available to all citizens under the constitution, such as challenging the selection of jurors who can be prejudiced against people facing criminal allegations through means such as peremptory challenges. They are also responsible for arguing the defendant’s case before a judge or jury if necessary, speaking on their client’s behalf.
A criminal defense attorney has many more duties to perform outside of court, including knowing how to negotiate with prosecutors for lighter sentencing, locating expert witnesses who can be called upon during trial, and examining police evidence against their client. It is important to find an experienced lawyer who will fight hard for you even if the odds seem against you. A good defense attorney will never stop fighting for your rights in court, no matter what lies ahead of you.