Facing criminal charges isn’t something you want to do alone. The legal process is confusing, and the possibility of receiving jail time is more than a little frightening. You need a criminal defense attorney to successfully navigate the legal process.
However, have you ever wondered what are the common duties of a Colorado criminal defense lawyer? We’re pulling back the curtain on what you should expect from a criminal defense attorney. This way, you know if your lawyer is capable of mounting a strong defense.
What Duties Does a Criminal Lawyer Perform?
Criminal defense attorneys often find themselves representing their clients in court, but it’s not their only duty. The primary duty of a criminal lawyer is to build a strong defense for their client. This typically includes, but is not always limited to, the following.
Meeting with the Client
Criminal defense lawyers typically have frequent meetings with their clients beyond the initial consultation. The attorney needs to go over every aspect of the client’s account of the event. These meetings can take place in the attorney’s office, at the jail, or over the phone. However, the initial meeting is generally held in person.
Investigating and Collecting Evidence
Your defense lawyer isn’t going to rely solely on case law to mount their client’s defense. Most criminal defense lawyers have access to resources like experts and investigators who can collect evidence to help support your defense.
A criminal defense attorney will also review any evidence gathered by the police. This can include witness statements, surveillance footage, and other types of evidence.
Negotiate a Plea
Negotiating a plea with prosecutors is standard practice for defense lawyers, but only with their client’s assent. In other words, a lawyer can only work out a plea agreement with the prosecutor with your okay. Your attorney may be able to get your charges dropped or even dismissed during negotiations.
If the prosecutor is willing to offer a deal, your lawyer will discuss the pros and cons, including what can happen in your criminal defense case.
Putting on a Defense
Sometimes you can’t reach a plea agreement with the prosecution. This means your case is heading to criminal court. Your criminal defense lawyer will mount a defense before a judge and jury. Once both sides have rested, it’s time to wait for the court’s decision. If your defense isn’t successful, meaning you’re found guilty, a criminal defense lawyer can file an appeal.
When Should You Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers typically handle everything from misdemeanor and felony criminal charges to federal ones. If you’ve been charged with a crime, even a DUI, it’s probably best to contact a criminal defense attorney.
However, criminal defense lawyers tend to specialize in a specific aspect of criminal law. You may not want a misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing criminal charges. The law differs, and you want to choose an attorney who understands all legal nuances.
You should also plan on calling a criminal defense lawyer if:
- You’re identified as a “person of interest” in an ongoing criminal investigation
- You’re being frequently questioned by the police about a crime
- You’re arrested or detained on suspicion of upcoming criminal charges
As we noted earlier, if you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a Colorado criminal defense lawyer.
You May Be Able to Prevent Criminal Charges
If you find yourself facing potential criminal charges, here’s some advice on how you may be able to stop the legal process before it really gets going.
Whenever possible, it’s always best to consult with a criminal defense attorney before you’re arrested. Maybe you’ve been indicted for embezzling funds from your company. You’re being represented by an experienced defense attorney who’s taken the step of contacting the prosecuting attorney. There’s a chance you can avoid criminal charges by working out a private deal. This generally means paying back the company and potential legal fines.
If you can work out an arrangement before criminal charges are filed, the matter may remain private. This means you avoid a court appearance and potential prison time. However, this approach may not work if your criminal charges are more serious.
For example, if you’re facing a murder charge, you may not be able to avoid the charges. Chances are, the best your attorney can do is to get the charges reduced. For the charges to be dismissed, your attorney will need to show reasonable doubt in court.
What you don’t want to do is take your chances in court without working with an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney.
