The criminal justice system can be complex to navigate. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime or arrested, you need to consider hiring a lawyer. Before you move forward with hiring an attorney, you need to ask yourself, “What type of lawyer should I be looking for?” If you’re facing serious criminal charges which may carry prison time and hefty fines, you should have a criminal defense lawyer by your side to help you navigate the complicated processes involved. What does a criminal defense lawyer do? In this article, we’ll answer that question and guide you through what to look for in a criminal defense lawyer to show how The Edelstein Firm can help you.

What To Look For In A Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal defense lawyers have to wear many hats and serve many roles for their clients. A criminal defense lawyer will be there through all the steps involved in criminal proceedings, including bail hearings, evidentiary hearings, plea bargains, and, if necessary, trials.

A good criminal defense lawyer knows that every case is different and their defense can not be one-size-fits-all. They will use their knowledge and experience to uncover arguments or evidence that can help them win your case or mitigate the results.

The Skills Needed to Be a Lawyer in a Criminal Case

When you are considering who to hire as your criminal defense lawyer, you want them to have the skills needed to be a lawyer who will fight for you and get you the results you want. Some of the main skills/roles a good criminal defense lawyer need include:

  • Investigator. Criminal defense attorneys research the facts of the case, investigate the case against their client, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.
  • Negotiator. Prosecutors will often bring a deal to criminal defense lawyers, offering a lighter sentence than what a defendant may be facing if found guilty. It’s up to the defense lawyer to negotiate with prosecutors to possibly get reduced bail, reduced charges, and, hopefully, a reduced sentence.
  • Guide. Defense attorneys can present the possible outcomes to a defendant and help them decide on the best defense strategy to follow to receive the best possible outcome. A good defense attorney will analyze the prosecutor’s case and formulate a plan to help their client.
  • Trial. In the event that no deal can be reached, a defense lawyer will represent their client at trial and argue their case before the judge or jury. A criminal defense lawyer serves as an advocate for the accused.

Hire The Right Criminal Defense Lawyer For Your Case

Now that you know what to look for in a criminal defense lawyer, it’s time to find one that will fight for you. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime, you need a criminal defense lawyer who is well versed in your local laws to assist you. When you hire a member of The Edelstein Firm as your criminal attorney in Miami, you will benefit from our years of experience and proven track record of success. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Edelstein Firm today for a consultation.