Criminal defense lawyers defend anyone arrested or charged with a crime, but a good criminal defense attorney can do much more for you. You have the right to legal representation from the moment you’re arrested—and even before.
If you are being questioned by the police about a crime, even if you’re not under arrest, a Greenville criminal defense lawyer can still help you.
We help people involved in a crime at each stage of the incident, from initial questioning through trial and even an appeal. Let’s break down the longer answer to the question, “What does a criminal defense lawyer do?”
Your right to legal representation during police questioning
If you’re being questioned about a crime, you have the right to have a lawyer present. Police officers may try to talk you out of calling an attorney. They may hint that you only want a lawyer because you’re guilty.
This is far from the truth. It’s your right, and you should assert it. Post-arrest interrogations focus on pressuring you for information that can incriminate you. Your lawyer can stop questioning that goes out of bounds. They know that answering certain questions may not be in your best interest.
Your right to zealous representation in court
Criminal defense lawyers have a duty to “zealously” represent their clients, regardless of whether they believe the client is guilty or innocent of the crime. This is one of the obligations of all lawyers admitted to the bar.
By doing so, they leave the determination of their client’s guilt or innocence in the hands of the judge and jury, as it should be.
Criminal defense attorneys must also defend against legal guilt rather than factual guilt. Your lawyer must determine whether the prosecutor has enough evidence to prove your guilt. They must present evidence-backed legal arguments establishing your innocence.
Your lawyer must act in your best interests
Your attorney focuses on your interests and no one else’s. Even if other people were involved in the crime, your lawyer protects you, not your buddies.
Your lawyer might recommend a plea deal with the prosecutor rather than going to trial. If the evidence against you is strong and your attorney doesn’t have a lot of evidence to defend you, they may negotiate an arrangement. In many cases, you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge than what you’re facing. This can mean less jail time (or possibly none, just probation) in exchange for saving the state the expense and time of a trial.
Negotiating a plea deal isn’t the only arrangement your lawyer can make for you. Depending on your charges and whether you’re a first-time offender, you may be eligible for a Pre-Trial Intervention program (PTI). The PTI program is an option for many first-time offenders and focuses on rehabilitation, not punishment. The program also allows for the the client’s record to be expunged following successful completion.
Or, if you were charged with a drug-related crime, you may be able to go to drug court versus jail. Drug courts focus on substance abuse rehabilitation and improving your life instead of punishment.
Do you need help from a criminal defense attorney?
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Greenville or Easley, the attorneys at Smith Jordan Law Firm are ready to protect your rights.
Contact us today at (864) 343-2222 to discuss your situation.
