Speak to Law Enforcement on Your Behalf
One of the most important reasons why you should always call a lawyer immediately after being charged with a crime is so the lawyer can speak to the police on your behalf. The police might want to speak with you prior to placing you under arrest. This can be done on the phone, at your home, or at the supposed scene of the crime. You do not legally have to say anything to the police, even if they have not read you your Miranda Rights. This is where an attorney can be extremely helpful. They can answer the questions posed by the police on your behalf.
Explain the Charges
If you wind up being charged with a crime, your attorney will be able to explain the charges levied against you by the government. It is important to know the charges against you from top to bottom. This includes every single charge, not just the most serious ones. Your attorney can also explain the possible sentencing that comes with each charge levied. This makes it easier on you if the case reaches trial and the sentencing phase. You will not be surprised at what could be handed down to you.
Negotiate with the Prosecutor
Once you have been charged with a crime in Chicago, you need to build a defense to the charges. One way to do this is to speak with the prosecutor. It is in your best interest to have an attorney comfortable dealing with the local prosecutor on your side. The attorney can meet with the prosecutor, discuss the evidence, witness statements, and potentially negotiate with the prosecutor about your charges.
Monitor the Case
A criminal defense attorney will monitor your case at all times. This means you will not miss any filing deadlines or deadlines to appeal court rulings. Even if the charges have yet to be filed, your attorney will help ensure you are represented at all times. It could take years before an investigation leads to criminal charges against you. You will have questions along the way that only an attorney studying your case and monitoring it can answer for you.
Conduct an Investigation
An attorney can conduct an independent investigation into your case. This investigation could wind up leading to the charges being reduced or dropped by the prosecution. A criminal defense attorney knows how to acquire evidence, read police reports, depose witnesses, and find expert witnesses to testify at a deposition or at your trial. An extensive investigation by an attorney can force the hand of the prosecutor of your case to make a decision about the charges.
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
Now that you know why it is so important to have a criminal defense attorney on your team when facing a criminal charge, it is time to make the call. The five reasons to have a lawyer by your side presented in this post are just the tip of the iceberg. Contact the office of David Freidberg today at 312-560-7100 to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation. The longer you wait, the more you put yourself behind the eight ball in trying to defend against the charges filed.
(image courtesy of Matthew Henry)