If you’ve been arrested or are facing criminal charges, you will
need legal representation to defend your rights and freedom. For a wide
variety of reasons, many people put off hiring an attorney until it’s
absolutely necessary, and often end up paying the price. In this blog,
we explore common reasons why people choose not to hire a Modesto criminal
defense attorney, as well as some of the many reasons why you should not
make the same mistake.
Reasons People Don’t Hire an Attorney
They Think It’s Too Expensive
The expense of legal representation is perhaps the most common reason why
people choose to avoid hiring an attorney. In reality, a guilty conviction
can often cost you far more than even the most expensive lawyers, as you
could be fined, ordered to pay restitution, and even end up behind bars.
When your freedom is on the line, quality representation is an investment
worth making.
They Think it Makes Them Look Guilty
Many people think that if they hire an attorney, especially early in the
process, it will give off the impression that they are guilty. However,
if you’re facing criminal charges, the state already believes you
are guilty – it’s time to start defending yourself. A few
people may think you’re guilty if you hire an attorney, but nearly
everyone will think you’re guilty if you get convicted!
Reasons Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
Early Representation
When you hire an attorney immediately after an arrest, they can instantly
start protecting your interests and building a strong defense. They will
have more time to gather evidence, research case law, and can prevent
you from incriminating yourself. If you’ve been arrested, hiring
an attorney before you are charged can often pay serious dividends. Oftentimes,
your lawyer can negotiate dismissal, plea bargains, or other reductions
of the charges against you.
Public Defenders Are Overworked
Depending on your case, the court will most likely appoint you with a public
defender if you don’t have your own representation. Many people
think, “Great! I have a free lawyer.” As with so many other
things in life, you get what you pay for. Public defenders handle massive
amounts of cases, and simply don’t have the time to thoroughly investigate
your case. For many public defenders, their goal is to get the case dealt
with one way or another as quickly as possible, and will often negotiate
a substandard plea bargain.
Experience in Court
Perhaps the single greatest advantage of hiring a Modesto criminal defense
lawyer like Mark Girdner is their experience in the courtroom. Having
the ability to cross-examine key witnesses like police officers, eyewitnesses,
and even the alleged offender can make or break even the most high-profile
criminal cases.
Arrested in Stanislaus County? Call (209) 326-1533 Today.
At the Law Offices of Mark W. Girdner, our Modesto criminal attorney is
a former deputy district attorney with more than a decade of real trial
experience. When you’re facing criminal charges, you need tough,
aggressive defense from an attorney who knows how to beat them. Don’t
hesitate to secure the counsel you need – call our firm today.
The attorney you choose can make or break your case. Call our firm today for your
free case evaluation.