4 Ways A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Reduce Your Charges

If you face criminal charges, you will likely start to worry about the sentencing around the time the judge or jury issues their verdict. A criminal defense lawyer battles to reduce your sentence. In the best case, they may even get the charges against you dismissed. So, how does a criminal defense attorney drop or lessen your charges? Read on to find out.

1. Enters a Plea Bargain

Your criminal defense lawyer can work out a plea bargain to lessen your penalties if you accept a guilty plea. You plead guilty before trial to save time and money. The option is complex and involves lots of discussions with your attorney.

After a detailed understanding, you and your attorney bring the option to the table with the prosecutor. The upside of a plea bargain is a reduced penalty and expedited court time. But, on the flip side, you get a criminal record that you can't appeal.

2. Lowers Your Charges

The best news about a criminal defense lawyer is that you are unlikely to get the maximum sentence possible. If the trial gets to the point of conviction, you will likely get a lower sentence. After trial, your attorney still argues on your behalf to persuade the judge to lower your penalty.

Your attorney can lessen the charges through legal arguments and the presentation of mitigating circumstances. That way, the jury sees that you are a contributing member of the society and other reasons you shouldn't get a high jail term.

3. Dismisses Charges

You get a charge dismissal if the prosecution lacks enough evidence to convict you. One way your attorney can get your case dismissed is to prove that the evidence-gathering went against the rules of evidence. If law enforcement did violate the rules, then your attorney could work with the judge to rule the evidence inadmissible in court. If the prosecution can't prove the charges, your attorney will move for your charges to get dropped.

If you have multiple charges, your criminal defense lawyer can work on dismissing some for a lesser sentence.

4. Stops Charges Before They Get Filed

Sometimes your criminal defense lawyer meets with the federal prosecutor or district attorney before the charges are filed. With witness statements and evidence, the prosecutors get the whole picture. This way, even if charges do get filed, you could get a lesser charge, such as a misdemeanor and not a felony.

Conclusion

Criminal charges are stressful and self-representation is not advisable. Criminal defense lawyers understand the ebbs, subtleties, and trial flows to distinguish between a win and a loss. Hire an experienced attorney to help make the best out of a bad situation.

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