When you’re arrested for a criminal offense, panic can set in and a million things go through your mind at once. How will this affect my future? My family? Will I lose my job? Am I going to jail? All of these are valid concerns, as a criminal conviction can impact every aspect of your life. Enlisting the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney is one of the first things you should do if you’ve been arrested for any criminal offense. Some may scoff at this because of the expense but hiring a criminal defense attorney to handle your case is an investment in your future. Regardless of your innocence or guilt, there are many reasons why you’ll want them by your side in the courtroom.
Knowledge of the Judicial System
The legal system is complex and can be confusing for the average layperson. An experienced criminal justice attorney will understand all of the system’s intricacies and how to navigate them. Trying to do this on your own or relying on a less experienced, court appointed attorney could result in a less-than-desirable outcome.
Experience with Similar Cases
Almost every profession has specialties and the legal profession is no different. If you’ve been arrested for a criminal offense, you wouldn’t want to hire an attorney that specializes in family law. A criminal defense attorney will have tried cases similar to yours and be well versed in the laws that apply to them. They will know exactly what to do and provide you with the best outcome possible.
Explain Possible Outcomes
Not every case results in a not guilty verdict or a dismissal. An experienced criminal defense will be able to explain all the possible outcomes. They will provide you with realistic expectations of how your specific case may turn out and how to prepare for the potential results and consequences.
Paperwork and Processes
As with any legal proceeding, there will be a lot of paperwork, much of it written in legal speak. A criminal defense attorney can guide you through all those documents and explain exactly what they mean. They will make sure everything is filled out and filed correctly, while making sure you don’t sign anything you don’t understand. Your attorney will walk you through the entire process, Making sure you’re where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there and what to expect at each step of the process.
Misconduct of Law Enforcement
While it may not happen as often as the police dramas on TV would have us believe, law enforcement can sometimes make procedural mistakes. Some of these mistakes can impact the outcome of your case. An experienced defense attorney will understand all the details and be able to determine if proper procedure was carried out. For example, if evidence was collected during a search conducted without probable cause, your attorney can have that evidence thrown out. In some cases, the misconduct of law enforcement can even result in the dismissal of your case.
Protect Your Future
The bottom line is that a conviction of a criminal offence comes with serious consequences that can impact your entire future. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is the best way to potentially minimize that impact. If a not guilty verdict or dismissal isn’t possible, they can still attempt to have fines or sentences reduced.
Criminal Defense Attorney in NJ & NY
At Andy Weinstein Law, we understand it’s hard to know what to expect and who to trust when faced with the possibility of a criminal conviction. Andy started his own law practice because he saw a need for diligent defense attorneys who both know the system and will thoughtfully and forcefully protect their clients to the end. Specializing in criminal defense, he accurately assess your circumstances and provides you with top-notch representation. Schedule a consultation with Andy and experience for yourself what makes Andy Weinstein Law unique. You’ll never think of lawyers the same way again!