Do you or someone you care about find themselves in need of a criminal defense attorney? If you are unsure if you need a defense attorney or what they can provide, then it’s important to start with the basics, as criminal law is complex and not something you should navigate on your own.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers can either be called directly by the defendant and retained by them, or they can be assigned by the court. Those assigned by the court are called public defenders, though at times a private lawyer may be assigned instead. An attorney who specializes in criminal defense will listen to what you have to say, investigate your case, sift through the evidence, and guide you on the best strategy for your case.
Investigates Your Case
Once a defense lawyer meets with you and listens to the details of your case, they will investigate those details before offering a strategic approach. This may involve talking to the police, reading all documentation related to your case, talking with expert witnesses, and viewing any evidence that may be presented in your case. The entire investigative process forms the basis of your case and will determine the best course of action moving forward. The goal of every criminal defense lawyer is to achieve the best possible outcome for the defendant.
Analyzes Evidence
Once all the information and evidence have been collected, your defense attorney will evaluate the strength of each piece of physical evidence as well as the testimony of witnesses and experts. Each piece of evidence will be weighed as to its effect on your case. A criminal lawyer can also use the expertise from their team to evaluate the evidence and determine if there are any legal issues that could be used against you.
Guides You Through the Legal System
The legal system is complex and filled with many players. Lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, judges, juries, and the legal guidelines themselves will all come together to determine the future of your case and your ultimate outcome. A defense attorney will work to provide you with expert advice about your options, the strength of your case, and possible outcomes that you could expect when your case is closed.
At The Cassell Firm, we defend a number of clients involved in criminal cases. Give us a call if you’re in need of a Lawyer in Nashville, TN.
Presents Your Defense in Court
Your defense lawyer will present your side of the case to the court. They will handle jury selection and remove any jurors that seem biased against your case. A criminal defense lawyer will also make opening remarks, present your evidence, and refute any evidence from the plaintiff if it cannot be legally used against you. A defense lawyer will continue to meet with you and attend court with you from the beginning of your case to the end.
Negotiating and Plea Deals
Often in criminal cases, plea deals will be offered and may need to be negotiated. The end goal is to get the most favorable outcome possible given the evidence and when a plea deal is offered, it should be considered and evaluated. A plea deal can be negotiated between the plaintiff’s lawyer and the defense’s lawyer to achieve a less harsh sentence or punishment. These deals can be complex, so it’s important to make sure the deal is reviewed and that there are no surprises in the details.
When Is the Best Time to Hire a Defense Attorney?
When you find yourself in legal trouble, the earlier you contact an attorney, the better your outcome may be. A defense attorney can be with you each step along the way and help you to understand the evidence against you, where you stand and how to proceed. It is never too late, however. If you find yourself overwhelmed, a case you thought might go away progresses, or an attorney you had counted on is no longer working for you, don’t hesitate to call a criminal defense attorney.
If you are located around the Nashville or middle Tennessee area, The Cassell Firm can help you evaluate the case against you and advise you on how best to proceed. We strive for fair treatment for everyone involved and make sure that you achieve the best possible outcome. No case is too simple or complex for our experienced attorneys, who will navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
Visit our website to further understand our role, discover who we are, and contact us through our secure online form. We look forward to discovering how we can help.