No matter the nature of the charges, being arrested for a crime in New Jersey can be stressful. Most people have no clue what to do next or how to take steps to protect their rights. Remember, you don’t have to answer the questions of the arresting officer. They should ideally read out your Miranda rights, which include the right to an attorney. Once you ask for an attorney, the questioning should not continue. If you are wondering whether you need to hire a criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, P.C., here’s what they can do for you.
Explain the details
If you choose a criminal lawyer before an arrest or filing of charges, they can explain your rights and legal options. They will also share the possible outcomes and expected criminal liability. You may assume that the internet is full of information, which can give you the required information, but that could be a mistake. Only when an attorney has checked the charges and your exact circumstances can you expect custom advice.
Investigate further
Once you hire a criminal defense attorney, they will investigate further and discover more about the allegations. They are also in charge of checking the evidence and securing information that may be helpful for your defense. They will also check the police report, find witnesses, and conduct interviews. When they have all the details, they will establish the strengths & weaknesses of the case.
Represent your side
Remember that the police officers are not on your side. The same is valid for prosecutors, and as we had mentioned above, you should not say anything and refuse to give a statement. Your lawyer is in charge of representing you before these parties. Also, if the lawyer finds that the plea bargain option is suitable for the circumstances, they will advocate and negotiate for you.
Prepare for trial
Expectedly, your criminal defense attorney is also responsible for presenting your case at trial, for which they will determine the best strategy and ensure the evidence is presented accurately. They will also present arguments and cross-examine the witnesses of the prosecution.
Final word
First and foremost, you need to understand that any kind of conviction could change your life forever. As someone who doesn’t understand law or criminal defense, you shouldn’t be going ahead alone. Find a criminal lawyer in New Jersey and make sure they are available in person. Check their credentials and look at their work profile in detail.