Being accused of a criminal offense is nothing to scoff about. Many people have faced severe punishment for the alleged crimes they’ve committed. Some of these people are guilty and some of them aren’t. Sadly, many innocent individuals are punished for crimes they didn’t commit. If you want to avoid being the latter, you’re going to need to know the options that are available. Let’s take a look at two common questions alleged offenders have about fighting their criminal charges.
Would it be possible to represent myself?
The short answer is yes. As a defendant you have the right to represent yourself in court when facing criminal charges. You can consult Business Name for any of your criminal cases. However, most criminal lawyers in Montgomery County will advise against representing yourself. Ultimately it’ll depend on the crime you’ve been accused of and the likely punishment you’re facing. If you’re facing ‘light’ charges (i.e. theft or DWI as a first time offender), representing yourself might seem much more sensible. On the other hand, if you have a history of multiple offenses, or you’re charges include some degree of murder, having a criminal lawyer representing you would be a smart decision.
If I decide to get representation, should I choose a private or state appointed lawyer?
The answer to this question is usually debatable. Some people suggest that you hire a private lawyer because they’re seen as being better. Most defendants accept a state appointed lawyer because they work pro bono for defendants. State appointed lawyers typically work for poor defendants who are facing jail time. However, many people believe court appointed lawyers are inexperienced and too bogged down with cases from the courts. This presumably makes them unable to devote the proper amount of attention to each case. Truthfully, many court appointed lawyers receive much experience from handling numerous cases, and become very familiar with the judges, attorneys, and people they represent.
Private Criminal Lawyers in Montgomery County are just as experienced as court appointed lawyers. However, the legal work they provide doesn’t come free. All private attorneys charge different amounts for their services. The cost will be determined by the case at hand, the lawyer’s location, and the lawyer’s experience. For instance, a private lawyer working for 30 years may cost more than one who’s been working for 2 years. A misdemeanor case may only cost $3,000, while a felony case costs $30,000.
Get more detail of criminal lawyers in Montgomery County by visiting Business Name.