Busting Myths About Criminal Defense Lawyers
When you are facing criminal charges in Arizona, you need the services of an experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyer. Unfortunately, when you turn to the internet to start researching criminal defense lawyers, you are likely to encounter a lot of outdated or false information. Myths surrounding criminal defense law have persisted for decades and have been perpetuated by television, movies, and the media.
Janet Altschuler is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Tucson, AZ who can defend you against criminal charges in Arizona like DUI, drug, assault, gun, and theft. Ms. Altschuler and our team can evaluate your charges and the details of your case and develop a comprehensive plan for your defense. It’s important to us that you have all of the facts you need to participate in your own defense, and so we will answer your questions and provide you with the resources you need to understand your charges and how your case might progress. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about criminal defense lawyers.
You Don’t Need a Lawyer if You are Going to Plead Guilty
This is a very common myth. Many people think that if they are going to plead guilty to the charges against them, there is no reason to hire an attorney. However, there are a lot of reasons you should speak with an experienced lawyer before you enter a guilty plea. An attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser sentence or get some of your charges dropped. A criminal attorney can also investigate your case and determine if there are any issues with the way police handled your case or the way the prosecution has proceeded. Even if you don’t want to go to trial, an attorney may be able to help you get a plea agreement, which could improve your sentencing outcome.
Public Defenders Aren’t as Good as Private Attorneys
While public defenders and court-appointed counsel do have much larger caseloads, they are just as qualified and skilled as private attorneys. If you can’t afford to hire a private attorney, it is better to work with a public defender than to try to represent yourself. In most cases, the primary difference between working with a private criminal defense attorney and a public defender is that a private attorney will be able to provide you with more personalized attention and one-on-one time.
You Can Hire Any Type of Attorney for a Criminal Case
Just like medical professionals, attorneys have specific areas of focus and may only practice law in certain areas. Some attorneys focus on tax law or estate planning while others may work in contact law or patents. Criminal charges are serious, and you could face jail time, prison time, fines, and the loss of your civil rights. If you are facing criminal charges, you need to hire an attorney who has a focus in criminal law to ensure you can mount an aggressive defense against the charges against you. Criminal law is very different from civil law, family law, tax law, and other types of law. There is more at stake in your case, and you want to hire an attorney who has experience in criminal cases.
All Criminal Cases Go to Trial
Another huge myth perpetuated by television and movies is that all criminal cases go to trial. While many criminal cases do end up going to trial, many are resolved by plea agreements or are dismissed due to lack of evidence or prosecutorial mistakes. When you hire a criminal defense attorney, they can guide you in deciding whether you are willing to go to trial or not. Depending upon the details of your case and the evidence against you, it may not be in your best interest to go to trial. If that is the case, your attorney can assist you in negotiating a plea agreement. Your attorney will also do a thorough review of your case and use investigators to determine if the officers who arrested you or the prosecutors made any errors that could lead to your case being dismissed or certain charges dropped without the need to go to trial.
Call Our Tucson Law Firm Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you’re looking for an experienced Tucson criminal defense lawyer, schedule a consultation with Janet Altschuler. We will review the details of your case, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect as your case progresses. Call us today at 520-247-1789 or 520-200-5003 to schedule a free consultation.