It can be tempting to try and represent yourself if you find yourself in legal trouble. However, you shouldn't give in to this temptation, especially if you are facing felony charges. This is because being convicted of a felony has the ability to change your life forever even if you do not end up serving time in jail. Consequently, you will want to do everything you can to try and avoid a conviction. Hiring a felony lawyer to represent you is a good idea.
While avoiding conviction is a very important aspect of your criminal case, this is just one of the many reasons why you should reach out to a felony lawyer as soon as you discover that your name has come up as part of a criminal case. Hiring a lawyer will also allow you to enjoy benefits such as:
1. Protecting Yourself Against Self Incrimination
If your case is still in the investigative stage, any statements that you make to law enforcement can be used to help build a case against you. Felony lawyers are well aware of the tactics that law enforcement officials often use to get individuals to make incriminating statements. Having an experienced lawyer on your team will allow you to take advantage of their expertise and ultimately prevent you from making any statements that could result in official charges being filed against you.
2. Negotiating a Plea to a Lesser Charge
Depending upon the evidence against you in your case, avoiding a conviction may not be a realistic expectation. In cases such as these, your primary goal will likely switch to damage control. One of the ways a felony lawyer can help you accomplish this goal is by negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor that allows you to plead to a lesser charge in exchange for their ability to forego a trial. In some cases, this can mean the difference between having a felony conviction or pleading to a misdemeanor which comes with far less severe consequences.
3. Securing Sentencing Considerations
If you end up being found guilty or choose to plead guilty, you will need to deal with the issue of sentencing in your case. A felony lawyer can assist you with securing sentencing considerations such as being placed in a specific correctional facility so that you are closer to family and friends or securing a furlough which allows you to get all of your affairs in order before beginning your sentence.
While it can be tempting to try and save money by forgoing legal fees and representing yourself, you could end up paying with something far more valuable than money. You could end up paying with your freedom. Don't put off contacting an experienced felony attorney when facing serious criminal charges.
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