A criminal defense attorney plays a pivotal role in the legal system by safeguarding fundamental rights and ensuring a fair trial for those the government accuses of a crime.
Their ability to interpret complex legal nuances and apply them to relevant case facts enables a criminal defense attorney to properly advocate for those accused of criminal conduct.
Additionally, attorneys uphold and advocate for the due process rights of their clients, using statutes and applicable case law to make sure the government follows its own rules.
Trial lawyers construct robust defense strategies, challenge evidence validity, and guide you through intricate legal proceedings—often protecting you from unjust convictions or excessive sentences.
The right to counsel is a cornerstone of the U.S. criminal justice system, as it seeks to ensure a balanced adversarial process.
Studies, such as those conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, reveal that effective defense representation correlates with reduced crime and enhanced judicial efficiency.
Moreover, many legal scholars highlight how defense attorneys contribute to maintaining public trust in the justice system.
As such, those facing criminal charges should consult with a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer to discuss defense strategies based upon the facts of their case and applicable law.
To speak with a member of the Austin Hagee Law Firm team about your case, please contact us today.
7 Reasons to Hire a San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hiring a defense attorney is a crucial decision when facing criminal charges, as their expertise and guidance can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer who possesses in-depth legal knowledge and experience is crucial when navigating the complexities of the legal system.
A fundamental aspect of the justice system is to protect the rights of the accused in every stage of the judicial process. This starts from the moment you are arrested.
Defense attorneys play a crucial role in safeguarding your constitutional rights from the moment an officer begins investigating you.
These include, but are not limited to, the right to be arrested based only upon proper probable cause, the right to remain silent, the right to a fair trial, the right to confront the accusers against you, and the right against self-incrimination.
The first four reasons we have listed refer to what an attorney can do during the critical pretrial phase of your case. The last three reasons refer to how an attorney can help once your case is set for trial.
Protecting Your Rights
An attorney will ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures and do not violate your rights during the investigation, charging, and discovery phase.
If the government violates your rights, a lawyer can move the court through written motions and oral argument to get related evidence excluded through a motion to suppress.
An examining trial may also be brought, prior to indictment, to challenge an arrest not based upon probable cause.
Advocacy During Discovery
An experienced criminal defense attorney will also be able to ensure that you are provided with complete discovery.
Discovery is essentially the process by which each side presents its evidence, and the prosecution has a duty to turn over all exculpatory evidence—i.e., evidence that tends to prove your innocence.
However, prosecutors historically have unintentionally and intentionally hidden evidence that is not favorable to their cases.
Your defense attorney should work to get all the prosecution’s evidence and review the testimony of the prosecution’s key witnesses.
Creating a Defense Strategy
Lawyers are adept at crafting a solid defense strategy, which is pivotal to obtaining a favorable outcome.
This starts at the investigation phase, where a defense attorney meticulously analyzes the evidence, interviews witnesses, and evaluates the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies.
A small inconsistency can destroy the credibility of the State’s case. A criminal defense attorney will use the information they gather in preparation to build a compelling defense tailored to your specific circumstances.
A seasoned criminal defense lawyer has the experience to know which defenses will have the highest likelihood of success in your specific situation.
Providing You with Support Throughout the Process
Being accused of a crime can be emotionally overwhelming and extremely stressful. A skilled criminal defense attorney will also provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process, better preparing you for what’s to come.
A good criminal defense attorney understands that their clients need an advocate and counselor.
Litigating Pretrial Motions
Pretrial motions can make or break your case, as they can get pivotal evidence excluded and greatly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Pretrial motions include motions in limine that limit the prosecution’s use of certain evidence in the trial.
They also include motions to suppress that argue for the exclusion of evidence that is illegally obtained.
Also, proper pretrial motions can exclude irrelevant evidence and evidence that is too prejudicial when compared to its probative value.
These motions can end your case if key prosecutorial evidence gets excluded. However, even when that isn’t the case, pretrial motions can greatly help your case go well by limiting the evidence the prosecutor can present during the trial.
Negotiating with Prosecutors
The importance of an attorney’s ability to negotiate with prosecutors cannot be overstated, as this is how most cases are resolved.
One Texas prosecutor’s association estimates that more than 98 percent of criminal cases in Texas are resolved by a plea bargain.
Defense attorneys are skilled negotiators who can highlight legal and factual case weaknesses to prosecutors to seek favorable plea bargains or reduced charges.
An attorney may do this by calling the prosecution’s case strength into question, providing the prosecution with mitigating facts about you, or a combination of both.
Attorneys also understand the potential direct and collateral consequences of various options and can advise you on the best course of action for your future plans.
Properly negotiating a plea deal can lead to reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options.
Without adequate legal representation, you will likely be at a significant disadvantage when negotiating with seasoned prosecutors that often aim for the most severe outcome.
Taking Your Case to Trial
If your case goes to trial, a lawyer becomes even more critical. Does your attorney know how to effectively create an opening statement, cross-examine witnesses, or create an effective and persuasive closing argument built upon a carefully built case?
Does your attorney know the rules of evidence and what evidence is admissible vs. what is not?
Does your attorney know what objections to make for inadmissible statements or evidence? Does your attorney know how to preserve the record for appeal?Â
A seasoned defense attorney has experience and training in trial, and they have skills in each of the areas mentioned above.
When your freedom is at stake, it is not time to cut corners. Get an effective defense attorney by your side to fully protect your rights against the strength of the government.
Why Hire a San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney? Because Your Future Depends on It
If you have an upcoming court date for a criminal case in San Antonio, it is important to have an experienced advocate by your side.
The dedicated San Antonio criminal defense attorneys at the Austin Hagee Law Firm are proud to fill that role for our clients.
With extensive experience handling trials for misdemeanor and felony cases, our passion and experience show in the results we’ve been able to obtain for our clients.
To speak with a San Antonio criminal defense attorney, give us a call at 210-942-6849. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.
Austin M. Hagee is a trusted and proven San Antonio trial lawyer who tirelessly defends his clients’ constitutional rights. As a former prosecutor turned nationally recognized criminal defense attorney, Austin has the knowledge and expertise to get the best possible outcome for his clients.
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