When you are accused of a crime, it is important to have an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side. The right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
What Is the Goal of a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The goal of a criminal defense lawyer is to protect the rights of the accused and to ensure that they receive a fair trial. A good lawyer also works to have the charges against their client dismissed or reduced. Not everyone accused of a crime is guilty, and it is the job of the criminal defense lawyer to make sure that their client’s rights are not violated.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
A criminal defense lawyer reviews the evidence against their client to determine if there is a valid defense. If there is, they present their case in court and work to have the charges dismissed or the sentence reduced. If the client is found guilty, the lawyer works to have the sentence reduced.
When Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer
The right attorney makes all the difference in your case. When choosing a criminal defense lawyer, consider their experience, their success rate, and their reputation. Also, make sure that you are comfortable with them and that they are someone you trust.
If you face criminal charges in South Carolina, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a criminal defense lawyer.
1. Experience
When it comes to choosing a lawyer, experience is key. You want to choose a lawyer who handled cases like yours in the past and knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.
2. Knowledge of the Law
It is also important to choose a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the law. A good lawyer knows the applicable laws and uses them to your advantage.
3. Aggressive Representation
You want a lawyer who is aggressive in their representation of you. The right lawyer will not be afraid to take your case to trial and fight for the best possible outcome.
4. Excellent Communication Skills
A good criminal defense lawyer has excellent communication skills. This means they explain the law to you in plain terms and keep you updated on the status of your case.
5. Compassionate Representation
You also want a lawyer who is compassionate and understanding. This is especially important if you face serious charges. The right lawyer helps you through this difficult time.
Procedural Defenses
There are several procedural defenses that a criminal defense lawyer uses to defend you. These defenses are:
Insufficient evidence – Defense used when the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
False confession by witness – Defense used when a witness falsely confesses to a crime that you did not commit. Defense Lawyers are particularly good at poking holes in the prosecution’s case and finding inconsistencies in witness testimony.
Improper police procedure – Defense used when the police did not follow proper procedure when investigating or arresting you.
Illegal search and seizure – Defense used when the police illegally searched your property or seized your belongings without a warrant.
Miranda rights – Defense used when the police did not read you your Miranda rights before questioning you.
Entrapment – Defense used when the police entrapped you into committing or confessing to a crime.
Right to counsel – Defense used when you were denied your right to counsel during questioning by the police.
Speedy trial – Defense used when you were not tried within a reasonable amount of time.
These defenses are used to have the charges against you dismissed. If there is no way out, a good defense attorney negotiates with the prosecutor to reduce your sentence.
If you are accused of a crime in South Carolina, contact a criminal defense lawyer in South Carolina today. Get help in choosing the right lawyer for your case, giving you the best chance of success.
