Why you Should Hire a Criminal Lawyer

Anyone who is facing criminal charges in Tampa needs to find legal representation from a Tampa criminal lawyer as soon as possible. According to the law,everyone has a right to be represented in court.Having at least some basic legal knowledge of criminal law as it applies within your state is helpful, but you will give yourself the best chance of defending the charges by hiring a criminal lawyer to represent you. If you are facing criminal charges with a possible jail term penalty but cannot afford a private lawyer, then you maybe eligible to have one appointed by the court.

As soon as a criminal charge case has been filed with the state court, then you will be brought to the courthouse to attend a pre-trial hearing or arraignment. During this hearing you will be asked to give a plea of guilty or not-guilty to the charges against you. It is advisable to have at least consulted with a Tampa criminal lawyer before the pre-trial hearing so you can decide on how you will plead. Depending on the nature of your case a lawyer can advise you on the best course of action at the pre-trial hearing and whether or not you would benefit from entering into a plea bargain in return for a reduction in charges or penalty.

By hiring a lawyer you will be able to gain a broad understanding of the charges against you, the law as it applies to your case, state procedures in such cases and the potential penalty you could face. Whilst self-representation is your right, it is often ill advised unless you have extensive legal knowledge in such cases. Many defendants who choose to defend themselves find they lack the necessary knowledge and skills to adequately defend themselves in court and in most instances the judge will appoint a lawyer straight away. A Tampa criminal lawyer however will know how best to build your defense and present it to the court during the trial.

Hiring a lawyer can also provide you with some extra means of support especially if the potential penalty is severe. Criminal trials can be long and complex so you need a lawyer who is able to keep you informed and updated at every step of the case. Lawyers who practice within the local area will also know the court personnel and prosecutors and as such can strengthen your defense accordingly. Representing a client in court means being able to present a convincing argument in your defense, present evidence in court, cross examine key witnesses and interview defense witnesses. These skills in court are developed over time and those who wish to represent themselves may lack the same level of ability.

Often those who try to represent themselves can come up against a brick wall when trying to meet or talk with prosecutors and court personnel. Once the trial begins the judge will ask if you have the necessary skills and legal knoweldge to adequately represent yourself and to present evidence which will support your claims. If the judge feels you do not have these skills then they will appoint a lawyer to you. In the majority of cases, hiring a Tampa criminal lawyer in the first instance can save you a lot of time and effort in the long term.