What Should You Expect (and Not Expect) From a Criminal Defense Attorney?
When faced with criminal charges, it is crucial that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. While you are allowed to represent yourself, it is best to avoid handling your criminal case without an attorney. A criminal defense lawyer can help you in several ways. However, you must have reasonable expectations when working with a criminal defense attorney. While there are many things you can expect your attorney to do for you and your case, there are things you cannot expect from a criminal defense attorney. Below, we discuss what you should and should not expect from your criminal defense lawyer.
What Should You Expect From Your Criminal Defense Attorney?
The following are some of the things to expect from your criminal defense lawyer;
Investigations
One of the first things you should expect from your criminal defense attorney is for them to investigate your case. Expect your attorney to conduct intense research into the facts of your case to identify its strengths and weaknesses. You can expect your attorney to conduct investigations by, among other things, interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence and police reports.
Communication
Expect your criminal defense attorney to communicate openly and honestly. Your criminal defense attorney should keep you updated about your case.
Determining What Defenses Are Available
One of the most critical things your defense attorney should do is evaluate all potential defenses and determine which ones you can use to fight your criminal charges. From arguing that your constitutional rights were violated to showing that the prosecution has insufficient evidence to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, there are many ways to fight criminal charges.
Negotiations
You should expect your criminal defense attorney to try and negotiate with the prosecutor to obtain a fair plea deal, if appropriate.
Court Representation
When you hire a criminal defense attorney, your attorney should represent you in court if your case proceeds to trial.
What Should You Not Expect From Your Criminal Defense Attorney?
The following are some of the things you should not expect from your criminal defense attorney;
Misrepresenting the Facts of Your Case
You should not expect your criminal defense attorney to misrepresent the facts of your case in order to obtain a favorable outcome for you. For example, don’t expect your attorney to present misleading or false evidence or say false things.
Guaranteeing a Particular Outcome
Do not expect your criminal defense lawyer to guarantee a specific outcome, such as your charges being dismissed. Your attorney can assess what defenses are available to you, but they cannot predict the outcome of your case.
Unlimited Availability
You might think that your criminal defense attorney will be available 24/7. Criminal defense lawyers are busy people with many clients and other commitments. You should not expect your attorney to be available all the time. However, your attorney should respond to you within a reasonable time. Your defense attorney should not be too busy that they cannot make time for you.
Contact an NYC Criminal Defense Attorney
Are you facing criminal charges in New York? If so, contact our NYC criminal defense attorney, Mark I. Cohen, to discuss your case and get experienced legal representation.
