If you’re a Tampa resident and you’ve been charged with a crime, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Not only can the legal process be complicated, but if you make a misstep, this can have major consequences on the outcome of your case.
At Candela Law Firm, P.A., our criminal defense lawyer has helped protect the rights of many people in Tampa facing criminal charges. Here’s why it’s always best to hire an attorney if you’ve been charged with a crime.
1. An attorney will fight on your behalf
When you’re facing criminal charges, navigating the legal process on your own is an insurmountable task. You need someone who will fight on your behalf and uphold your rights every step of the way. That’s exactly what a criminal defense lawyer will do.
After reviewing the facts of the case, your attorney will craft arguments that could reduce your sentencing, or discover weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case to potentially throw out the charges altogether. An experienced attorney will always be looking out for your rights, and they can ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.
2. They’ll use their courtroom experience to your benefit
Some people facing criminal charges believe that they can adequately represent themselves after reading relevant law books. But the truth is, nothing beats courtroom experience.
Part of being a good criminal defense lawyer is being able to anticipate the outcome of a case. While your attorney will always be your advocate, you need someone who can make realistic recommendations based on an unbiased assessment of the case.
At Candela Law Firm, P.A., our criminal defense lawyer in Tampa draws on years of courtroom experience to provide clients with honest recommendations. This can help you potentially negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea bargain, which may reduce some of your charges. Without a criminal defense attorney at your side, being able to successfully negotiate with a prosecutor is very rare.
3. Attorneys have resources to efficiently handle criminal cases
A lot more goes into a criminal case than you might realize. Think about all the witnesses who may be involved. You’ll need to take the depositions of relevant witnesses, which means getting their testimony under oath. If you’re handling the case on your own, then you’ll have to contact court reporters and set this up yourself.
Additionally, the evidence in your case might need to be examined by expert witnesses, such as forensic scientists. Or, you may need to hire a private investigator.
Law firms have vast networks of resources, allowing them to streamline this entire process, and then build the best legal strategy for your case.
4. You may receive a lighter sentence
Although it’s distressing to be sentenced for a crime, especially if you feel you are innocent, an attorney can still help. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to create a plea bargain that benefits both sides.
For example, the prosecutor may agree to more lenient sentencing if you plead “guilty” or “no contest” to certain charges.
Speak with a board-certified criminal defense lawyer in Tampa
At Candela Law Firm, P.A., we believe that you’re innocent until proven guilty. If you’re facing criminal charges, we can fully uphold your rights and work toward a fair resolution of your case.
Contact us today to speak with our board-certified criminal defense lawyer in Tampa.
