What is a Criminal Lawyer? - In the law there are two basic types of judgments: criminal and civil. Civil lawsuits are lawsuits between two private parties, usually two people. Criminal cases are lawsuits brought by the state or federal government against an individual or group. Civil cases are initiated by the victim, and criminal cases are initiated by the government through a prosecutor. Criminal attorneys are those who defend the plaintiff in criminal trials.
What criminal lawyers do
Criminal attorneys represent their clients in lawsuits initiated by the government. Your clients are individuals or groups who have been charged with acts that are crimes of some kind. It can be a misdemeanor, which is a less serious offense such as drunk driving, or it can be a serious crime, such as a murder like murder that can end up in jail or even the death penalty. Many people think of crimes when they think of criminal lawyers, but criminal lawyers also represent plaintiffs who face criminal charges.
Criminal Lawyers at the Beginning of a Defense
Many people who are being charged with a crime are waiting to hire a lawyer. They may think that the charges will be dropped, or they may think that the possible punishment does not guarantee the cost of hiring a lawyer. They may think they can represent themselves in an attempt to save money. This is a dangerous idea, since criminal lawyers can be very helpful early in the process.
One way that a lawyer can help is to negotiate the dismissal of the case. Lawyers know how to detect possible weaknesses in the defense of the prosecutor. Sometimes, by presenting these weaknesses to the prosecutor, they can help negotiate the dismissal of charges before charges are officially filed.
A lawyer can also help an author by helping to negotiate a confession agreement. This implies an admission of guilt in exchange for a decrease in the possible consequences and an avoidance of appearing in court. Many people charged with misdemeanors can avoid much of the costs of a lawsuit when negotiating guilt.
Authors who are involved in crimes that are part of an ongoing investigation may use a criminal lawyer to help negotiate a minor award in exchange for cooperating in the investigation. For example, if a complainant knows about another aspect of the crime that could help prosecutors capture a high profile criminal, the prosecutor may be willing to drop some charges in exchange for such information. An attorney knows how to approach the police or the prosecutor to make this proposal.
Tips for Working with a Criminal Lawyer
If you are in a position where you need the services of a criminal lawyer, you should work with your lawyer to make sure that your defense is developed in the best possible way. Even if you are facing minor charges, your lawyer is the only person who can help reduce these charges and save thousands of dollars and protect certain freedoms you could lose with a "guilty" conviction.
No matter what happens, do not discuss your case with anyone other than your Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney. Anything you say about your case outside of your lawyer's office can be repeated in court. Your lawyer operates under the "attorney-client privilege," meaning that he can not be forced to share with anyone what you tell him in secret. Other people in your life do not have this protection.
Be honest and direct with your lawyer. He can not help you if you do not tell him exactly what happened, even if it makes you look bad. Answer all the questions and let your lawyer lead the defense. He knows how best to present the information so that you are honest and at the same time as innocent as possible before the jury or the judge. Remember that your lawyer is on your side, so treat him and his team with respect while working on your case.