If you or the person of concern to you are to be prosecuted for an offense in Missouri, having a trained attorney represent you can’t be overstressed. Your attorney will be able to advise you of your rights, negotiate the system for you, and present your case in a manner that will best be in your interests. It is contended that criminal law is sophisticated and punishment if convicted is mainly severe, and therefore professional legal practice management services are more needed than ever.
The following is a guide on what to do with criminal defense attorney services in Missouri.
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
A criminal defense lawyer is a legal professional who defends his client who is charged with a criminal offense. He is expected to defend his clients against criminal charges and reduce the penalty he incurs. Lawyers achieve this through investigation, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with prosecutors, and, where necessary, pleading cases on behalf of their clients in court.
Missouri criminal defense lawyers specialize in every type of them, which are:
- DUI/DWI
- Drug-related crimes
- Assault and battery
- Robbery or theft
- White-collar crime
- Murder and manslaughter
- Sex crime
Every case is different, and your attorney will adjust accordingly to facts in your case.
Why It Is Wise to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
There are many reasons why it is wise to hire a criminal defense attorney in Missouri:
Expert Legal Acumen: Defense attorneys are educated legal experts. They understand how to construct a case, where evidence can be located, and how to locate weaknesses in the case the prosecution has assembled.
Your Rights: You do have rights that must be protected throughout the process through the law. A criminal defense attorney ensures your rights are protected.
Plea Bargain Negotiation: Your attorney will periodically negotiate a plea bargain reducing your charge or sentence in exchange for your plea of guilty.
Bargaining Down Sentences: Your sentence can be negotiated down and the disruption of your life minimized even if you are guilty by an experienced attorney.
Peace of Mind: You can focus on other aspects of your life while your attorney handles the law.
What Do You Want from a Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyer
You have to ensure that you acquire the best attorney. Some of the most basic things that you have to look for in a criminal defense attorney are:
Experience: Hire an attorney who is qualified in criminal defense law. The more cases they have handled, the better equipped they will be to handle your case.
Specialization: Ensure the lawyer specializes in criminal law. A lawyer who specializes in another area, i.e., family law or civil litigation, will lack experience.
Reputation: Check your lawyer’s reputation. Check if there is a client review or testimonial. Also, check with the Missouri Bar Association to determine if there are any disciplinary actions.
Communication Skills: The lawyer should be able to explain in simple language and respond to your questions in simple language.
Fee Arrangement: Ask how the attorney gets paid. Lawyers bill on an hourly basis, a flat fee, or a retainer.
The Missouri Criminal Defense Process
There are some usual routines to Missouri criminal defense cases, and having an idea of what’s happening in each one of them will benefit your case to some degree:
Arrest: It begins with an arrest. When you are arrested by police officers, the officers must read your rights, among which is your right to remain silent.
Booking: You are booked at the time of arrest in a nearby local jail facility where your information will be obtained and you processed.
Initial Appearance: You are brought to court for the first time where you will be read charges and a judge may rule on bail.
Pre-Trial: Your lawyer will organize your evidence beforehand in the pre-trial phase, make motions, and negotiate a plea possibly with the prosecutor.
Trial: Your prosecutor and lawyer will argue evidence in the event your case goes to trial. You are guilty or not guilty by jury or judge.
Sentencing: You will receive a sentence upon being found guilty. Your lawyer will attempt to reduce the sentence or appeal a conviction if necessary.
FAQs
1. How much do I pay for a Missouri criminal defense lawyer?
A Missouri criminal defense lawyer costs according to how complicated your case is and how many years of experience the lawyer has. There are some who charge by the hour, and there are others who charge by the case. Do request the fee before using the service so that there will never be any disagreement in the future as far as payment is concerned.
2. Will my sentence be reduced by a criminal defense attorney?
Yes, a good criminal defense attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor to accept a lower sentence, or plead on your behalf to a lesser sentence. It’ll be purely a matter of facts of your case and whether there is some mitigating circumstance that will persuade the judge.
3. Do I need to have an attorney if I’m going to plead guilty?
Even if you are guilty and are pleading otherwise, it is still best for you to have a criminal defense attorney. They can have your plea entered correctly, can likely get the charges against you reduced, and can plea bargain for a reduced sentence.
4. What happens if I am arrested?
If you’re arrested, say nothing and do not resist. You can still exercise your right to remain silent, and in most cases it is best if you assert your right until a time when you can talk with an attorney. Do not allow the police to discuss your case with you if your attorney cannot be present.
5. How long will my Missouri criminal case take?
The length of a criminal case varies with the seriousness of the charges, whether the case ever actually comes to court, and with how accessible it is for one to get into the court. Cases only take months to decide upon, while others take years.
Final Thoughts
A criminal charge is a very serious allegation, and representation will make or break you. Missouri defense lawyers are here to sit with you and review the charges pending against you, guard your rights, and stand for the finest outcome. No matter if you have been charged with lesser or more serious charges, it is worth your while to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer represent you to get familiar with the system and negotiate the best possible outcome on your case.
If you or a friend require the services of a Missouri criminal defense lawyer, don’t wait to call a seasoned experienced criminal defense attorney to have him advise on your case and speak with you regarding your options.
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