One of the most important things to remember about the US legal system with criminal cases is that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Everyone has the right to legal representation. While people are not always innocent, they have a right to a fair trial and investigation into the matter. Finding the right attorney and having proper legal representation is crucial to having the best possible outcome for the case. This is especially true when penalties are high in monetary cost and carry jail time.

Buffer

One of the most important parts of having a good lawyer happens during the early stages of a criminal case. When someone has been questioned or arrested by the police, they may need to call a lawyer to help them answer questions and avoid making mistakes or being bullied. Criminal lawyers know what questions and tactics are allowed and which are not, and can prevent their clients from being railroaded or strong-armed by law enforcement, private investigators and other lawyers.

Location

Having local representation is also important. When hiring a lawyer, be sure to use one that is licensed to practice in that jurisdiction. Choosing an attorney familiar with the court in which the case will be tried is wise. Having someone aware of the judges, court clerks, buildings and courthouse procedures for a specific branch of the court in a city or county can sometimes make the difference between having a case dismissed and the defendant being found guilty and seeing jail time. Knowing the ins and outs of a locality, how cases are assigned and the habits and preferences of the personnel who work there can be extremely helpful to a case.

Types

Those facing criminal charges should choose a lawyer that specializes in criminal law. For example, someone facing a drunk driving charge in Tampa, Florida should find a Tampa DUI attorney. A Florida criminal lawyer specializing in this type of case will know the requirements, potential penalties and what to expect from the prosecution. When there is more than one charge pending, a well-versed lawyer can handle multiple charges and may be able to get some of them dropped or reduced.

Professional

Criminal charges take a toll on those accused as well as family members and friends of the accused. The case may be the basis of a misunderstanding or simply a grave mistake. It can traumatize those accused as well as those close to them. Having professional representation means having a person that is not emotionally involved in the case handling the crucial details. A Florida criminal attorney, for example, will be able to look at the available facts and form a defense. Paperwork can be filed properly and on time without the defendant having to try to juggle deadlines, investigations and personal issues all at once.