Do I really need a criminal defense attorney to help me with my case?

In the vast majority of cases, you should have an attorney. While a case (such as driving with a suspended license) may seem simple to you, the ramifications of mis-handling a case can be severe. Besides a conviction on your criminal history, you will likely be subject to other sanctions, such as jail time, payment of fines, probation, alcohol/drug and/or domestic violence classes, imposition of a no-contact order, loss of driving privileges, and loss of gun rights, among many other ramifications such as job loss. This non-exclusive list is not intended to scare you, but simply to make you aware of such likely possibilities.

Hiring a good criminal defense attorney may be financially difficult, but is usually well worth it in the long run. A knowledgeable attorney’s investigation and presentation of your case may be the difference between a conviction or an acquittal (or dismissal).

Additionally, an attorney can protect you from yourself; many defendants effectively hang themselves by making comments to prosecutors and police, without understanding how those comments can be used.  If an officer is attempting to question you as a suspect, you would be very smart to refuse to answer questions without an attorney present.

Remember, a simple misdemeanor, while not the most serious offense, still carries with it a possibility of 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. A gross misdemeanor, such as an assault four (often domestic violence) is punishable by up to 365 days in jail and a $5000 fine.

If you think you need a criminal defense attorney to aggressively represent and protect you, call our office today at (360) 659-4950 for a free, no-pressure consultation.

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