Why You Need A Criminal Defense Attorney For A Misdemeanor
Posted on: 18 October 2021
Share
When you are awaiting trial for a suspected crime, even if it's a misdemeanor, you should consider getting a criminal defense attorney. This is an attorney who works on behalf of people who have been accused of crimes who need legal representation.
A misdemeanor doesn't always lead to extended jail time, but a misdemeanor is still a serious concern when it involves your livelihood, your criminal history, and your current situation. Your criminal defense attorney is the one who can help you get the best chance of a fair outcome in your situation, and even if it's just a misdemeanor at play, you don't want to go on with your case without proper defense. Here's why.
You might have to face jail time after all
Even a misdemeanor can lead to jail time, which can impact your ability to keep your job, take care of your family, and be a positive impact in your community. If you want to have the best chance of staying out of jail for a misdemeanor related to a repeated offense or something similar, you need a criminal defense attorney to assist you.
Your criminal defense attorney's sole purpose is to help you get the best outcome for your situation, even if you are convicted of a misdemeanor in the end. What may have been a certain jail sentence can end instead in community service and paying fines or you being placed on probation, which can be favorable to going to jail.
You might be able to take a plea deal
A plea deal is an agreement you can make in court with the judge to satisfy a sentence without committing to its full length and consequences. It allows you to meet the judge part-way and get a hopefully reduced sentence you can easily fulfill so you can get on with your life. You need a criminal defense attorney to help you negotiate a plea deal and to help you understand the situation wholly so you know what you are accepting if a plea deal is presented to you.
Your criminal defense attorney represents you until your case is finalized or you retire your legal tie to them. Once you retain your criminal defense attorney, they represent you so long as you make your payments to them on time and don't otherwise ruin your agreement with them in any way. Retaining fees vary, so consult with a criminal defense attorney to see what will work best for your budget as you prepare your case.
Contact a criminal defense attorney in your area for more information.