If one is facing charges for drug possession or distribution, they face time in county jail or state prison, along with steep fines, probation and a lifelong criminal record. In this article, readers can learn why it’s important to have an attorney on their side.
Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Change the Outcome of a Case
While indigent defendants may be eligible for help from a public defender, the choice to hire a private defense attorney can have a substantial impact on the case’s outcome. Criminal defense firms that represent clients in Houston have the experience and skill required to lessen the effects of criminal charges.
Lawyers can Anticipate a Client’s Exposure
A local criminal defense attorney can predict a client’s potential exposure in terms of sentencing, as well as in other consequences. If a person faces drug charges, they need to know what type of penalties they may face in order to make an informed decision on accepting a plea deal or going to trial. A lawyer can tell the client about the long-term effects of a criminal case, such as future penalty enhancement, eligibility for expungement and employment consequences.
An Attorney Understands the Process
Because Houston criminal defense attorneys routinely represent clients in front of area judges, they know their preferences and predispositions on certain issues. In some cases, a lawyer may intervene by consulting the prosecutor early in the case. A local lawyer’s inside knowledge allows them to evaluate plea deals, defense strategies and diversion opportunities with a knowledge of what’s to be expected from judges and prosecutors.
Defense Lawyers are Devoted to the Case
Even if one qualifies for help from a public defender, there are advantages to hiring a private defense attorney. Public defenders can be very dedicated, but they must work within the agency’s financial constraints. A meeting with a public defender may be as short as a brief encounter in the hallway before a hearing, and budgetary issues may limit a client’s access to professional witnesses and forensic testing. A private defense lawyer can devote all their resources and time to the person they’re defending, and they work with the client to take the mystery out of the legal process.
