It is best to have a lawyer when you are charged with a crime. Most criminal defendants have a lawyer represent them, especially if jail or prison is a possible punishment. It is complicated for someone to defend themselves in a criminal case competently. There are no firm statistics on how many people choose to represent themselves in criminal cases, but estimates are that it is well below 1%.
There are many reasons why you should have a lawyer, even if you are innocent. A Tampa-based criminal attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the possible outcomes. A lawyer can also help you navigate the criminal justice system, which can be very confusing. And, if you are convicted, a lawyer can help you appeal your conviction. Here are some compelling reasons to hire a lawyer for your criminal case.
You Can’t Find Everything You Need in a Book.
Reading criminal law books won’t teach you everything you need to know about the criminal justice system. To understand how it works, you need to experience it first-hand. Criminal defense attorneys understand this and know that the law appears much differently when you’re in the courtroom. Countless interactions and variables are at play that can’t be captured in a book.
If you’re facing criminal charges, you must find an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the system. A Tampa-based criminal attorney will know the ins and outs of the court system and can help you build a strong defense against the charges you’re facing. Don’t try to go it alone.
The Power of the Prosecutor of a Crime
For example, prosecutorial discretion—the power of prosecutors to decide what charges to file— dramatically affects the outcome of a case. The particular prosecutor who can make decisions, and when those decisions are made, can recast an act as a variety of other crimes, some more and others less serious. What is a statute book appears to be a fixed sentence for a particular crime that can be negotiated into various alternatives.
Community Pressures
It’s no secret that community pressures and politics can significantly impact criminal cases. Judges often face re-election, prosecutors want to be successful, and the police expect their crime reports to result in charges. The public may be vocal about specific crimes and demand “tough justice.” However, while many might assume that these pressures would not affect the legal system, this is not always the case. To understand how community pressure can affect your case, you need an attorney who understands the local scene.
You May Make Incriminating Statements
When you represent yourself in court, you lack an attorney’s specialized knowledge and experience. This means that you may say things that hurt your case. For example, facts the accused believes support his case may not be a legal defense to the charge. Remember that the prosecutor is not your lawyer, so do not ask them for help or legal advice.
Your Emotions Will Cloud Your Arguments
When you represent yourself in court, you may get nervous and become defensive under pressure. This can lead you to make emotional arguments instead of evidence-based arguments, which can reduce your effectiveness. Throwing yourself at the court’s mercy is not a substitute for a legal defense or a reasonable trial strategy. Disrupting the court call and irritating the judge has a destructive result on your case.
The Judge and Court Staff Will Not Coach You
The judges and court staff will not help you. Court clerks are responsible for managing court records and providing information, but they cannot fill out forms or provide case evaluation or strategy. Judges and court staff are prohibited from giving legal advice, so don’t expect them to help you figure out your legal options. However, most judges will take the time to explain your rights and strongly encourage you to get help from an experienced defense lawyer if jail is a possible sentence.
Final Thoughts
If you’re currently facing criminal charges, you must find an experienced criminal defense attorney to help guide you through the court system. An attorney will have a better understanding of how community pressure and politics can affect your case and will be able to provide sound legal advice. Remember that you should never try to represent yourself in court – doing so may lead to incriminating statements or emotional arguments that won’t hold up in front of a judge.