In 2024, crime in the United States decreased in many categories, including homicides, rapes, and robberies. For example, homicides decreased by 16% in 2024, according to the Council on Criminal Justice. According to the FBI's 2024 quarterly crime report, murders have decreased by 22.7%, rapes by 17.7%, robberies by 13.6%, and aggravated assaults by 8.1%.
Savannah attorney Michael Schwartz recommends consulting an experienced lawyer to protect your rights when you have been charged with a crime. Keep in mind that being accused of a crime can have long-term consequences that severely affect your life.
A criminal defense attorney can impact your situation when you are facing criminal charges. They’ll help you understand the charges against you, scrutinize the evidence, and formulate a strong defense.
Let's take a look at how beneficial criminal defense lawyers are in winning your case.
Understanding the Criminal Charges Against You
You can easily be overwhelmed by complicated legal jargon like felony and misdemeanor charges. Failure to understand these terms can jeopardize your rights and result in harsh penalties for the crime you are charged with. Address this issue by seeking legal assistance from a qualified criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer will explain to you everything you need to know about your case. Do not hesitate to ask questions for clarification.
Investigating the Evidence and Building a Defense
Investigating the evidence contributes to building a strong case.
The Kirlew Law Firm PLLC says that your criminal defense attorney will look for errors or flaws in the evidence collected by the law enforcement officers to weaken the case of the prosecution.
Gather supporting evidence, including witness accounts, police reports, and expert witness studies, to support your claim. Your lawyer may hire private detectives to find new evidence or sources for your case.
Negotiating Plea Deals and Reducing Sentences
Once your criminal defense attorney reviews and analyzes the evidence with possible defenses, he or she will turn to negotiating plea deals.
Plea bargaining refers to negotiations with the prosecutor to finalize a favorable deal that would either drop charges or reduce your sentence.
A skilled criminal defense attorney will use their knowledge of law to defend you.
Representing You in Court Proceedings
A criminal defense lawyer will be your primary legal representative before a judge and jury. They will be your advocate in court and cross-examine witnesses. They are trained to study the gaps in the prosecution’s case to establish reasonable doubt.
Criminal defense attorneys will prepare you for court proceedings by explaining to you what will happen. They will provide information on what to expect, which can lead to better outcomes for your case.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Legal Process
Investing in a defense lawyer will guarantee the protection of your rights early on. You have the right to remain silent and be given legal counsel. Lawyers will investigate whether the evidence against you was obtained illegally or if law enforcement officers deviated from standard procedure.
They’ll update you on every step, explaining your options and consequences for every decision made. Their presence will give you peace of mind and help you feel reassured with the success of your case.
