When people are charged with a crime in the United States, they rely on criminal defense lawyers to represent them in court. The defense attorney has an important role in the judicial process.
The criminal defense attorney is an advocate for the person charged with the crime and fights for their rights in court. The person charged with the crime is innocent until proven guilty, and it is the job of the defense attorney to help provide reasonable doubt to the jury.
The defense attorney will conduct research in the case they are working on to develop a strategy for defending the accused. Strategy is vital to the case of anyone accused of a crime. The defense attorney will research previous cases, comb through the current case, and develop strategies to provide the best outcome for their clients. Additionally, the defense attorney will prepare all the required legal documents including legal briefs and appeals.
One of the main roles of a defense attorney is to provide legal counsel for their client. Legal counsel includes explaining the law to their clients in a way that is easy for them to understand. In addition, defense attorneys explain the legal options available for their clients. These options may include plea deals, possible sentences, and whether to go to trial. Staying on top of current laws is an important part of legal counsel.
Defense lawyers will also represent their clients in court, at arraignments, and hearings. If the case does go to trial, the attorney will present evidence to a jury or a judge. The defense attorney is responsible for creating the arguments necessary to establish reasonable doubt. If a plea deal is offered, the attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor and present the options to the client.
Overall, the goal of the defense attorney is to find the best outcome for their client. To do this, the attorney must be an excellent researcher, public speaker, negotiator, and keep themselves informed about changes in the law.
Jeremy D. Koop is a former prosecutor who understands what it takes to win a case for a defendant. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need someone who will aggressively defend you. Contact the Koop Law Firm for a free consultation.
The information provided in this article does not constitute legal advice; it is for general informational purposes only.