Criminal defense attorneys are lawyers who represent those who have been charged with crimes in court. Because crimes can range anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony, criminal defense attorneys have an extensive legal toolkit.
If you’ve been accused of a crime in New York, it’s important to find a criminal defense attorney who practices in New York. That’s because each state has different laws governing criminal defense, including definitions and sentences for crimes.
Because criminal defense can be a complex topic, we want to take the time to explain what exactly a criminal defense attorney does.
Criminal Defense Attorneys Know The Justice Process
It might seem counterintuitive, but perhaps the most important job of a criminal defense attorney doesn’t happen inside the courtroom. Indeed, a lot of the work that a criminal defense lawyer does happens pre-trial. In the pre-trial phase of the criminal justice process, an attorney will work with a client on a range of situations, including:
- Investigation — According to the Fifth Amendment and “Miranda Rights,” an individual has the right to an attorney at all times, including during arrest and questioning by authorities. This means that a lawyer can advise an individual on what to say so they a person does not self-incriminate.
- Dropping charges — In some cases, a criminal defense attorney will avoid having to go to trial entirely. Just because an individual has been accused of something does not mean that they necessarily have to show up in court. Instead, a good attorney can convince the court to drop charges (usually based on lack of evidence or improper procedure).
- Reduced bail — If you are detained after an arrest, you might have bail posted. A criminal defense lawyer can negotiate with the court to lower or waive your bail so that you do not have to stay in jail pending trial.
- Plea bargains — If it’s nearly certain that you’ll be found guilty of committing a crime, your defense attorney might encourage you to enter a plea bargain. This means that you might receive reduced charges or sentencing. It takes a skilled negotiator and experienced attorney to undergo these types of negotiations, so having an attorney on your side is crucial.
Additionally, criminal defense attorneys can fight for you in the court of law. They know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, and they can be your best line of defense against unfavorable verdicts.
The Law Office of Lisa Pelosi
If you need to hire a criminal defense attorney in NYC, contact The Law Office of Lisa Pelosi today. We’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we’re happy to offer free consultations.
Lisa has over 30 years of experience advocating for her clients and protecting their rights. Call Lisa today if you’re dealing with any number of these crimes below:
- Drug Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
- Probation
- DWI/DUI Drunk Driving
- Violent Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Property Crimes
Don’t wait until court. Get an experienced criminal defense attorney in NYC today.
