The first thing you need to do when you are accused of a crime is to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia. It doesn’t matter if you are actually guilty of the crime or not, a qualified defense lawyer is dedicated to helping you through your case. Before you look for a lawyer, it is important to make sure you understand the proper role of a criminal lawyer to help you make the best possible choice.
Gather Evidence
The prosecution will be working hard to gather the evidence necessary to convict you of the crime of which you are accused. However, your lawyer will also need to gather evidence of his own to refute those claims or at least generate some doubt in the jury. While you may need to do some work on your own, the lawyer will be able to guide you through the process so you have exactly what you need when you have to appear in court.
Fight for Leniency
Not everyone is a hardened criminal who deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail. Your criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia will work by your side in the court system to fight for leniency from the judge or jury. Sometimes a crime is committed in a moment of weakness or for what is an understandable reason, despite the fact the act itself was wrong. If this is the case, your lawyer will be able to show the judge and jury that you don’t deserve the harshest sentence possible.
Speak for You
The most important thing you need to remember is you should never speak to anyone without your lawyer present. In fact, in most cases, you should allow your lawyer to do the talking for you. Your lawyer will know what should and should not be said to ensure you don’t harm your case in the process.
You don’t have to face the court alone when you are faced with a possible conviction of a crime. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, you will gain someone to work on your side through the entire process. Your lawyer will help you gather the evidence you need to succeed in your case, plead the court for leniency, especially if your case meets certain criteria, and speak for you in court and leading up to your hearing so you don’t make any mistakes that can cost you dearly.
