If you are facing criminal charges, you may not be sure if you should hire a Jersey City criminal defense attorney to defend you. Afterwards, you can work with a public defender. Plus, you may think you may be found guilty despite your legal representation. However, this is not always the case. Although you can turn to a public defender, there’s no substitution for personalized advice. An experienced lawyer will hear your side of the story, draft a strong legal defense, and fight to protect your rights. Just because you are arrested does not mean it’s the end of your fight. The right attorney will make a significant difference in your case. Here’s why it’s worth working with them:
They Can Help You Navigate the Legal Process
If you are like most people, you probably don’t have deep knowledge of criminal law. But, a defense attorney has years under their belt, so they know exactly what to look for when they assess your case. A public defender can identify factors that impact your case’s outcome, they are usually handling several cases that they may not be able to pay attention to small details. A dedicated criminal defense lawyer can look at each aspect of your case closely.
They Will Tell Your Side of the Story
Although you are the only person who knows your story better, you may not be able to tell it in a convincing way. Because you are facing criminal charges, a judge or jury may start out biased against you. So, you need an attorney who has handled cases like yours and knows how to tell your side of the story. When you have a great attorney working for you, your story is told in the most compelling manner. Also, this ensures you don’t end up saying something that could hurt your chances of getting a favorable outcome.
They Negotiate Pleas and Sentencing
If your charges cannot be dismissed, your lawyer can work with the prosecutor to establish a plea bargain that could reduce some of your charges or a sentence. They know what to look for when they negotiate bargains that are in your best interest. They can negotiate an arrangement that includes alternatives to incarceration like drug abuse rehabilitation or having your sentence reduced. With the right lawyer working on your side, you can have the confidence that a legal expert is there for you in all stages of the legal process.
