The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer: What You Need to Know
If you are part of a criminal investigation or you have formally been charged with committing a crime, the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your future is to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. If you have never before needed a criminal attorney, it helps to gain a better understanding of the role of a criminal defense lawyer.
What Makes an Attorney a “Criminal Defense” Attorney?
If this is the first time you have been accused of committing a criminal offense, you may be tempted to call a family law or contract law attorney that you have used in the past. Do not make that mistake. Just as you would not rely on a dermatologist to treat a brain tumor, you should not rely on anyone but a criminal defense attorney to represent you in a criminal matter. While a properly licensed attorney can practice both civil and criminal law, most focus on one or the other because there are different practices and procedures within both systems of law in the United States.
An experienced criminal defense attorney is someone who has chosen to focus their practice of law on the representation of people who have been accused of committing a crime. Because that is the focus of their legal practice, a criminal defense attorney has an intimate knowledge of the people, practices, and procedures involved in the criminal justice system – precisely what you need if you find yourself the target of a criminal investigation or prosecution.
How Do I Know When I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you will be advised of your constitutional right to be represented by an attorney. Some people, however, make the mistake of thinking they do not need an attorney right away when, in fact, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible following an arrest. Often, it is in the hours and days immediately following an arrest that a criminal defense attorney can be the most helpful.
Although you undoubtedly need a criminal defense attorney once you have been formally charged with a crime, you may also need one before that point in time. If you have reason to believe that you are the target of a criminal investigation or you have been contacted by the police about an ongoing investigation, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the ensuing investigation.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
The role of a criminal defense attorney encompasses many duties and responsibilities. First and foremost, a criminal defense attorney’s job is to protect and defend his or her client. As the target of an investigation or defendant in a criminal prosecution, you have several important constitutional rights, including the right against self-incrimination, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses at a jury trial. At each stage of a criminal prosecution, your rights could be violated. Your criminal defense attorney’s job is to prevent that from happening going forward and to address any violations that have already occurred.
As the accused, you are not required to present a defense at all because, in the United States, the prosecution bears the burden of proving a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Another important role your criminal defense attorney plays is ensuring that the prosecution is held to that standard. If you do decide to present a defense, your defense attorney will develop that defense strategy with you and aggressively litigate on your behalf at trial.
What Should I Do If I Was Charged with a Crime in Las Vegas?
If you have been charged with a criminal offense or are the target of a criminal investigation in Las Vegas, consult with the experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. Call us at 702-707-3000 or contact us online.