Reasons You Need a Felony Lawyer
Felonies are crimes that are considered severe by the legal system. Unlike misdemeanors, conviction of felonies can affect your reputation and career and limit your freedoms and rights.
Having a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side can assist in preventing a felony conviction. The right lawyer can also help you fight the charges or have them reduced.
Avoiding a Conviction
A felony is a crime that has more severe consequences than a misdemeanor. It may involve jail time, fines, or both. A felony can also result in denying certain rights, such as voting, owning a firearm, and eligibility for public office or professional licensing.
A criminal defense attorney can help you avoid a conviction by ensuring that the government has enough evidence to charge you and that your trial is fair. They can also ensure you have preserved grounds for appeal in the event of a guilty verdict.
When arrested on felony charges, you must immediately find a local criminal lawyer to fight for your case. It’s important to note that a felony conviction will remain on your record indefinitely. It can prevent you from getting a job, being denied a mortgage or many forms of federal aid, losing child custody, or even being able to serve in the military or be granted a professional license.
Representation in Court
Felonies are the most severe crimes. They carry a high risk of jail time. They can also lead to other consequences, such as loss of a professional license, immigration or international travel problems, job loss, eviction, etc.
A felony lawyer Jacksonville NC, can help you avoid many of these consequences. For example, your attorney can negotiate to lower or waive your bail so that you do not have to remain in jail while your case is pending.
It is essential to be honest with your criminal defense lawyer. They are bound by confidentiality and can only represent you in good faith if they have all the information. This includes all details related to the case, including your emotions. It is normal to feel scared, frustrated, and angry. However, your lawyer can help you focus on the task. They can use their skills in courtroom advocacy, research, and investigative techniques to build a solid criminal defense.
Getting a Plea Deal
Nearly 90% of criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining. Your lawyer will assess the merits and demerits of the prosecution’s case against you. They will analyze the aspects of the charges they think will be challenging to prove and ask for a favorable plea bargain if possible.
A plea bargain may lead to reduced charges, a lighter sentence, or the dismissal of some charges. Sometimes, the prosecution may agree to waive your right to appeal as part of a plea bargain.
Your lawyer can provide information about the pros and cons of accepting a plea bargain or going to trial, including potential outcomes. They can also help you find ways to show that you deserve leniency, such as by pursuing substance abuse treatment or gathering letters from family and friends. If your attorney recommends a plea, they can draft a written agreement for you to sign.
Defending Your Rights
A felony is the most severe criminal charge available and is considered a “crime against society.” Felonies carry lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, forfeiture of property, and restrictions on rights like gun ownership. An excellent criminal defense lawyer invests in your future, reputation, and freedom.
When a person is charged with a felony, the prosecution has to prove probable cause before a judge that there is evidence of a crime to get the case in front of a jury. This is done at a hearing called a Preliminary Hearing. An experienced criminal attorney must ensure the police have followed proper procedures in gathering evidence at this crucial case stage.
A reasonable felony defense attorney will review the evidence in the case to ensure it is legally sound before deciding how to proceed with the trial.