Many people facing criminal charges believe that their defense lawyer will be able to help them beat the charges or at least get a more lenient sentence. While it is true that an ideal criminal defense lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your case, there are limits to what they can do.
So, the answer to ‘can a criminal defense lawyer bend the case in your favor’ may vary depending on (1) the facts of your case, (2) the skill of your lawyer, (3) the presiding judge, (4) the prosecutor and, (5) the laws of your state.
Here is a look at some factors that will affect whether or not your lawyer can reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
1) The Strength of the Prosecution’s Case
The prosecutor must convince the jury or judge that there is enough evidence to convict you of the crime. If the evidence is overwhelming, your criminal defense lawyer in Milton may not be able to do much to help you. If the prosecution has a strong case against you, your lawyer will find it challenging to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
2) The Type of Crime
Some crimes are more severe than others, affecting your case’s outcome. Brutal crimes are much harder to deal with.
3) The Judge’s Sentencing Guidelines
If the judge in your case has strict sentencing guidelines, it may be difficult for your criminal defense lawyer to get a lighter sentence. Thus, the judge must follow these guidelines when sentencing you, and they will consider the severity of the crime and your criminal history.
4) Your Criminal History
If you have an awful criminal history, your lawyer will find it more challenging to get the charges reduced or dismissed. Thus, the judge will view you as a greater risk to the community and will be less likely to show leniency.
5) The Victim’s Wishes
In some cases, the victim’s wishes can play a role in the outcome of your case. The prosecutor may be less likely to offer a plea deal if the victim does not want you to be given a lenient sentence. Thus, consult the best criminal defense lawyer right away.
6) The Prosecutor’s Office Policy
Some prosecutors’ offices have policies that state they will not offer plea deals in some instances. Thus, if the prosecutor’s office has a policy in place, your criminal defense lawyer may be unable to negotiate a deal on your behalf.
7) The Evidence
The prosecutor must convince the judge that there is enough evidence to convict you of the crime. If the evidence is overwhelming, your lawyer may not be able to do much to help you. Therefore, if you have strong evidence against you, your lawyer may find it challenging to reduce or dismiss the charges.
8) The Prosecutor
Some prosecutors are more lenient than others when it comes to plea deals. If the prosecutor in your case is known for being tough on crime, your criminal defense lawyer may have a more difficult time getting a deal.
9) The Nature of the Crime
Some crimes are more severe than others, affecting your case’s outcome. Crime, such as murder or rape, is much harder to deal with.
10) The Victims
Some victims are more reluctant than others to see the defendant given a lenient sentence. If the victim is insensitive, the prosecutor may be less likely to offer a plea deal.
When looking for a criminal lawyer, it is essential to keep all these factors in mind
- The facts of your case: In some cases, the facts are not in your favor, and no amount of legal maneuvering will change that. If the evidence against you is strong, your criminal defense lawyer may not be able to do much to help you.
- The severity of the offense: Some crimes are more severe than others, which can affect your case’s outcome. Brutal crimes, such as murder or rape, are much harder for your lawyer to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
- Lawyer’s past testimonials: If your criminal defense lawyer has a lot of experience with cases like yours and has been able to get charges reduced or dismissed, they may have a better chance of doing so again.
- Your budget: If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you may get a public defender. While public defenders have heavy caseloads, they can still provide you with competent legal representation.
- Experience: While experience is not always necessary, it can be helpful. If your criminal defense lawyer has a lot of experience, they may be more likely to know everything about the legal system and get a better result.
- Resources: If your lawyer has access to resources that other lawyers do not, such as private investigators or expert witnesses, they may be able to use these resources to your advantage.
- Lawyer’s connections in the community: If your lawyer has connections in the community, they may be able to use these connections to your advantage.
Where Can You Get An Ideal Criminal Lawyer For Your Case?
You can get the best criminal defense lawyer for your case in a few places. Here are some of those places:
- Online: You can find many lawyers specializing in criminal defense. Thus, you can use online directories to find a criminal defense lawyer in your area.
- Referrals: You can also get referrals from friends or family members who have used a defense lawyer in the past.
- Local Bar Association: Contact your local bar association to get a list of criminal defense lawyers in your area.
- State Bar Association: You can also contact your state bar association to get a list of defense lawyers.
- Court-Appointed Lawyers: If you cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, you may be able to get a court-appointed lawyer.
What Are The Different Types Of Criminal Lawyers?
There are different types of criminal defense lawyers. Here are some of them:
- Public defenders: You can get them by the court to represent indigent defendants.
- Private attorneys: You can hire them from the defendant or the defendant’s family.
- Criminal defense lawyers: Criminal defense lawyers are lawyers who specialize in defending people who have been accused of a crime.
- Prosecutor: A prosecutor is a lawyer representing the government in criminal cases.
- Defense attorney: A defense attorney is a lawyer who represents the defendant in a criminal case.
- Public Defenders: Public defenders are government-funded lawyers representing indigent defendants.
- Legal Aid Societies: If you cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, you may be able to get help from a legal aid society. Legal aid societies provide free or low.
The Bottom Line
If you have been accused of a crime, hiring the best criminal defense lawyer is essential as soon as possible. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can start working on your case and building a defense.
While several factors can affect whether or not your defense lawyer can get the charges against you reduced or dismissed, the most crucial factor is the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Thus, if the evidence against you is strong, the lawyer may not be able to do much to help you. However, if the evidence is weak, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal or get the charges dismissed altogether.