tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150263266133383090.post-13365328180644939072008-01-21T22:45:00.000-08:002008-02-22T00:31:35.379-08:00<p>When people are accused of a crime, they face the terrible possibility of going to jail. A good criminal defense lawyer will represent anyone committed with a crime to the best of his or her ability. Sometimes good representation results in no jail sentence; sometimes good representation means that the person charged with a crime--the defendant--serves less of jail sentence than they normally would have. </p><p>Criminal defense lawyers negotiate with prosecutors and can often arrange for reduced charges or lesser sentencing. Good defense attorneys will:</p><ul><li>Formulate sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the justice system. </li><li>Provide a defendant with a "reality check"--a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their case go to trial. This perspective is vital for a defendant trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor's offered "plea bargain".</li><li>Constantly educate themselves in order to stay familiar with all the various important legal rules and cases because much of criminal law is "hidden away" in court interpretations of federal and state constitutions.</li><li>Know which local court customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere. (For example, a lawyer may know which prosecutor has the "real" authority to settle a case, and what kinds of arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor).</li><li>Understand the possible "hidden costs" of pleading guilty which a self-represented person might never think about.</li><li>Spend crucial time thinking about and working on their client's case.</li><li>Gather information from prosecution witnesses.</li><li>Hire and manage investigators, who may be able to locate evidence to impeach (contradict) important prosecution witnesses who embellish or change their stories at trial. </li></ul><p>It's crucial for anyone charged with a crime to consult with a skilled and knowledgable criminal defense lawyer. Many, if not most, criminal defense lawyers don't charge a fee for an initial consultation. </p><p>(Hat tip to Scott Greenfield at <em>Simple Justice</em>.)</p>Todd Taylornoreply@blogger.com