In the vast majority of criminal law cases, the defendant is represented by an attorney. There are numerous reasons for this, ranging from the fact that cases wherein a defendant is represented by an attorney are far more likely to end up with a "not guilty" verdict to the fact that, when represented, you are far more likely to not have to go to trial in the first place.
Negotiations
When represented by an attorney, you are accessing a beneficial network of possibilities that you most likely would not have access to if you decided to represent yourself. One of these benefits is that attorneys, such as your defending lawyer, are part of a greater network of attorneys. They will understand how to negotiate with the prosecution – and may have already worked with the prosecuting attorneys in the past. This will open up an array of negotiation possibilities; for example, you may be able to negotiate a plea bargain and not have to go to trial in the first place.
Information Gathering
Attorneys are more likely to be able to gather information from potential witnesses than you would if you had decided to represent yourself. There are several reasons for this: first and foremost, gathering information from witnesses is something that lawyers are simply trained to do and have a great deal of experience doing so. Secondly, potential witnesses are far more likely to speak with an attorney than someone who has been accused of criminal activity.
Counseling With The Defendant
An attorney will be able to help you cope with the emotional trauma of being accused of criminal activity. By representing yourself, you are essentially going up against a prosecutor or prosecution team alone. This can be a scary event. An attorney with experience can help to assuage your fears and explain to you in ordinary language the events that are unfolding in the courtroom.
Understanding How To Plea
Many people who choose to self-represent wind up pleading guilty under the assumption that by doing so, their charges might be reduced or they will not have to pay as much in court fees. This isn't necessarily the case and an attorney can help you come to a more informed, cost efficient decision.
In most cases, if you are being charged in a criminal case, it is probably for the best if you utilize the services of a defense attorney like Law Offices Of Jerald Silvia.
