A defense lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in the representation of people accused of crimes. They deal with various issues, including an individual’s arrest and criminal investigation, legal charges, sentencing, appeals, and other post-trial matters. Defense lawyers may be private practitioners or work for government agencies, such as local, state, or federal criminal courts. Regardless of whether they are paid on an hourly basis or charged a flat fee, they are usually required to keep detailed records and documentation for their clients’ cases.
One of the most important duties is to protect their clients’ rights. Defendants have several constitutional protections, and defense attorneys must be knowledgeable about these to properly protect their clients. They should also be familiar with state and federal laws that regulate the practice of law, as well as local procedures for presenting evidence and conducting trials.
Defense lawyers must also be skilled negotiators. They often negotiate with prosecutors to try and get their clients reduced bail or charges, which can save them from spending time in jail pending trial. During these negotiations, it is vital that the attorney remain polite and courteous, but also firm in their demands. In addition, they must be willing to go to trial if necessary to defend their clients’ interests.
It is common for defense attorneys to meet with a client multiple times before they begin their case. This allows them to build a relationship with the client and understand their needs and goals for the case. In addition, a first consultation is often free of charge, which allows the lawyer to evaluate their potential client and decide how they will best represent them.
A defense attorney’s first task is to review all of the charges and claimed facts of the case against their client. They then analyze them to determine if there are any violations of a defendant’s rights, such as violation of the Fifth Amendment regarding unauthorized search and seizure or illegally obtained evidence. They should also analyze the strength of a prosecutor’s case, such as their prima facie burden and proof requirements.
During a trial, a defense attorney will present evidence to support their client’s innocence and show that there is insufficient evidence for a conviction. They will challenge the admissibility of evidence, such as testimony by an expert or documents compiled from circumstantial evidence. The defense may also argue that there are inconsistencies or errors in the prosecution’s case, such as improper witness questioning or failure to follow procedures for collecting and analyzing evidence.
Defendants should always hire a defense lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that their rights are protected. A defense lawyer can help them avoid jail time for crimes they didn’t commit, and can also make sure that guilty clients don’t receive unduly harsh penalties based on passion or discrimination. If you’re facing a criminal case, contact Saland Law for a free initial consultation with a skilled and experienced defense attorney.
