Criminal Courts Are Not Designed for Self-Representation
Posted on April 6, 2023 by John
If you have been arrested for a crime or know someone who has been charged with a criminal offense, it is understandable to feel incredibly overwhelmed by the upcoming legal process you are about to face. After encountering first-time charges, people are completely uncertain about their rights, and their potential penalties, or are unaware of what to expect when becoming part of the criminal justice system.
No matter what charges you are facing, you will always be entitled to a fair trial and the right to be represented by a criminal defense attorney to begin building a strong defense for your case. Criminal defense attorneys have a thorough understanding of criminal laws and the court system, which can be useful in negotiating with the prosecution and presenting a strong defense. They can also provide valuable advice on how to proceed, including whether it is worth it to fight the charges or if it is better to accept a plea deal.
Know Your Rights
The United States Constitution provides a lot of protections for criminal defense. For example, someone accused and acquitted of a crime cannot again be charged with that same offense, as mandated by the “double jeopardy” provision of the Fifth Amendment.
Moreover, the Sixth Amendment protects criminal defendants’ right to a public trial and to have their guilt or innocence decided by a jury. It also includes the right to challenge adverse witnesses and to use the court’s subpoena power to compel the appearance of favorable witnesses.
If you have already been arrested or formally charged, it is vital that you contact a criminal defense attorney before speaking with the police or the prosecutors. Your testimony will be certainly used against you. A skilled criminal defense attorney will be able to speak on your behalf, making sure that you do not incriminate yourself by mistake.
Following this idea, to enforce your right to remain silent, you must clearly express your wish to do so. If a police officer or another law enforcer begins asking you questions, you may state that you refuse to answer any questions until you have contacted an attorney.
The Top-Rated Legal Advocate You Need
If you decide to hire a criminal defense attorney in California, it is important to choose one who is knowledgeable, experienced, and able to provide the best representation for your specific needs. The Law Office of David Leicht fully understands that criminal procedures have life-changing results and will do its best for you to walk out of a courtroom with the results you need.
No matter what you are being charged with, you will receive highly skilled assistance from our legal professional with over a decade of experience on both sides of a California courtroom.
The Law Office of David Leicht will go the extra mile to solve your legal problems and handle your case with the attention it deserves. Don’t hesitate—to contact us at (760)-256-3104 or use our online form to set up a free consultation and put the power of an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
Serving Barstow, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, Baker, Needles, Lucerne Valley, Big Bear, San Bernardino, Mojave, Phelan, Wrightwood, and the surrounding California communities.
534 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
