When to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you or a dear one are in legal trouble and face criminal charges, you may have a lot running through your mind. One of the most pressing worries is likely when you should hire a Manassas Criminal Defense Attorney or whether you should hire one at all. Defending yourself against criminal accusations or charges is challenging and emotionally draining. That is why you may need someone with legal knowledge to guide you through the nuances and complexities of the criminal justice system every step of the way. Here is when you should hire a criminal defense attorney:

When is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Most people fail to understand that bringing a criminal defense attorney on board as soon as they are charged will save time and significant expenses further down the line. While it is ideal to have an attorney on your side from the moment you are placed at the back of a cop car, in most cases, it is impossible. You should, however, contact a defense attorney as soon as possible, preferably after you have been released from police custody. This should be your top priority if you are accused of serious criminal allegations.

The sooner you contact a skilled defense lawyer, the more likely your criminal charges list will be dismissed before any formal charges are brought against you. Your criminal defense attorney will also be in a better position to negotiate other rights you are entitled to that might very well increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome.

Whether or not you are at fault, fighting the criminal charges that were leveled against you is a long and emotional process. Having the security and comfort that someone is there fighting tooth and nail on your behalf to secure your freedom is invaluable. Here are some instances when you need to engage the services of a criminal defense attorney:

You have been accused of or are charged with a crime
You are questioned by police or federal investigators
You have wrongly been accused of a crime
You are facing drug charges
You are facing DUI crimes
To expunge your criminal record
To appeal a sentence

In either scenario, finding an attorney as quickly as possible is critical. When it comes to when is the right time to engage the legal services of a criminal defense lawyer, there is no such thing as too soon. In fact, the longer you wait to hire legal representation, the more time the other party has to prepare their case against you. While every crime has unique circumstances, the sooner you get a criminal defense attorney on board, the better your chances of avoiding a time-consuming legal battle that may end up with you behind bars.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to fight the criminal charges yourself. If you believe that, for any reason, you could become a suspect in a case, it is in your best interest to get in touch with a lawyer and explain your situation. The same goes if the police ask you to sing something. Ultimately, having an attorney on your side can significantly reduce your financial burden by helping you to reduce the fines and jail time you might be facing.