Charged With a Violent Crime? Lawyer Up Before It’s Too Late
Being convicted of a violent crime comes with serious penalties that can include time in prison and hefty fines. Whether you’re guilty or innocent, law enforcement and prosecutors aren’t on your side. That’s why you need a skilled defense lawyer for protection. Without a lawyer, you don’t stand a chance in the courtroom.
Here’s why you should secure an attorney immediately.
- Police will use everything you say against you
Every second you don’t have a lawyer is time the police will use to get you to talk. It doesn’t matter if the conversation seems innocent, like talking about what you had for dinner last night. Everything you say can and will be used against you throughout your case. Don’t put it past a prosecutor to be able to use even seemingly innocent statements against you.
“They don’t need you to confess – they just need you to talk,” says a violent crime lawyer from SBBL Law. “Because once you do, little things you say will start to corroborate parts of their investigation that make it easier for them to convict you, even if you think you’re clearing your name.”
A good lawyer won’t let you fall into any traps. They’ll tell you when it’s okay to speak and what to avoid. Your lawyer will be your lifeline and protection against self-incrimination.
- Violent crimes carry severe penalties
Charges like assault, robbery, and homicide all carry long prison sentences, sometimes by state-mandated minimums. And even what seems like a lesser charge can still be a felony that will stay on your criminal record for life. On top of that, sentencing enhancements, like using a weapon or having a prior conviction, can increase penalties drastically. You also have to consider mandatory minimums. For instance, first-degree murder in Michigan carries a mandatory life sentence for offenders aged 21 and older.
While there’s no guarantee in every case, lawyers are often able to get charges dropped or reduced through plea bargains. If your attorney negotiates a plea deal with the prosecutor, you’ll plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. For instance, if you’re charged with first-degree robbery, you might plead guilty to second-degree robbery or theft to get a less severe sentence. But you won’t get a good deal without a lawyer. If you try to represent yourself, the prosecutor might offer you a plea bargain, but it’s probably going to be a bad deal. Only a skilled criminal defense attorney will be able to fight for what’s fair.
- Juries and judges are biased
No matter what the law says about impartiality, judges and juries are often biased by the nature of a defendant’s charges. It’s unavoidable. And because of this, innocent people end up in prison when they don’t have a skilled lawyer.
You can’t walk into court to face your charges expecting everyone to be impartial and objective about your case. It’s hard to fight violent crime charges because you need to overcome unspoken bias and make a really strong case. This isn’t something non-lawyers can do. Arguing points, negotiating, and building a strong case are all best left to a criminal defense attorney.
- Lawyers know how to challenge the prosecutor’s narrative
If you go into court trying to represent yourself, you’re going to make a ton of mistakes, including presenting your defense ineffectively. A strong defense requires careful planning and extensive knowledge of the law. Lawyers question police procedures, eyewitness accounts, and analyze forensic evidence to build a strong defense. They actively investigate and know exactly how to reframe the story in your favor and will get prejudicial evidence suppressed.
Challenging the prosecutor’s narrative requires a level of knowledge only lawyers possess. It’s not worth risking your future over self-representation.
- Court procedures move fast
Without a lawyer, you’re going to become overwhelmed by how fast things move in court. This applies to everything from preliminary hearings to bail, plea deals, and sentencing. Within hours and days, key decisions are made that affect your case outcome. Bail hearings, arraignments, and plea offers happen fast and there’s no time for you to prepare. When you have a lawyer, they’ll handle everything for you. All you need to do is show up. For example, your attorney will argue for lower bail, reduced charges, or even case dismissal if possible.
Don’t wait, protect yourself now
If you’ve been charged with a violent crime, the worst thing you can do is wait to get legal counsel. It’s not going to work itself out. Your life and future are on the line. Hire an experienced violent crime lawyer now before the prosecution locks in the narrative and your options disappear.