What is worse than being charged with a crime that you know nothing about? If you have ever been in such a situation, then you understand how frustrating it can be because as much as you want to prove that you are innocent, you do not know where to get started to make the judge believe you. Criminal defense law is super complicated, and the best way to go about it is by hiring a Chicago criminal defense lawyer to handle the case on your behalf and help you get out of this mess.
Some individuals feel that hiring an attorney is an expense that they would rather do without and opt to represent themselves instead. You have the right to do so, provided you prove that you are mentally competent, but that does not mean that it is a smart move to take. The benefits of hiring a lawyer are limitless, and here are just a few of what to expect.
The attorney understands the law
The little to no knowledge that you have about the legal system is not enough to help you navigate through such a complex case. Criminal defense law is a bit demanding and requires extensive knowledge to win the battle. A reliable criminal lawyer is an expert in this. The attorney has studied the law and practiced it for years, meaning that s/he understands all the ins and out of the system. You can, therefore, count on the lawyer to build a strong case against the complainant.
The attorney will protect you from penalties
You will be facing a fierce battle against the complainant who will come down hard on you, so you can give up and surrender. You also have the prosecutor as your enemy, and if you are not careful, you will end up being penalized. This adds to the frustrations of being accused of something that you didn’t do. With a reliable criminal defense lawyer by your side, you are assured that things will go seamlessly, and the prosecutor has nothing on you. The lawyer knows when they are crossing the line and can object anything that does not seem right. If you are found guilty, the attorney will negotiate and ensure that you do not get heavy penalties.
The attorney will speed up the process
The goal is to regain your freedom as soon as possible and clear your reputation. The attorney knows what to do to ensure that the case is not prolonged. Sometimes, it could take even years before the case is settled or before you come to an agreement with the complainant, but the attorney is there to prevent this. The lawyer will take immediate action; negotiate with the prosecutor to make sure that the process takes the least time.
Save your time and money
For starters, the lawyer will save you from making mistakes that could prolong the case and cost you a lot of money. Also, the attorney will handle all the paperwork and represent you at hearings, thus saving you time that you can instead spend doing other productive stuff.
If you are arrested or charged with a crime, make the right decision and consult with an attorney to take you through the case, and get to enjoy these benefits and more.