If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, especially if you think you are innocent, you may assume that all you need to do is show up in court and tell your story and the problem will take care of itself. Unfortunately, your innocence or guilt isn't always the determining factor in whether you are convicted and what penalty you will receive. That's why you need a criminal lawyer to help you through the maze. Consider these benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer.

Early Representation May Avoid Formal Charges

By contacting a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest, your lawyer may be able to get the case dismissed before formal charges are filed. This mean you won't need to go to court and won't need to spend weeks or months proving your innocence. Although getting a lawyer involved before charges have been filed is the best case scenario, your lawyer may also be able to get the charges dropped if you contact him early. 

Defense Attorneys Are Not Emotionally Involved

You are likely to react to the situation from an emotional level and may be tempted to tell your story to anyone who is willing to listen. This can lead to making misleading or emotionally charged statements that may hurt you in court. When you hire an attorney, you can express your concerns and tell your side of the story in private. Your attorney can then take over the job of communicating with other parties without being swayed by emotion. He also knows how to present information in the best light and can help you avoid inadvertently saying something that could be misinterpreted.

Defense Attorneys Can Evaluate Evidence

Not only can your defense attorney advise you on the evidence you need to provide, he can also evaluate the evidence against you offered by the prosecution. If evidence is shown to be tainted or obtained illegally, your lawyer can have the evidence thrown out. Your attorney's guidance in this respect may prevent you from being taken advantage of or from faulty evidence being used against you.

Defense Attorneys Understand Legal Jargon and Legal Procedures

Navigating the maze of the legal system and interpreting legal terminology can be confusing. Your defense attorney is trained in handling both. He can guide you every step of the way and explain things to you in language you understand. He will let you know what forms need to be filed, what documentation you need and can even advise you on whether you witnesses are credible. That means you always know what to expect next and how to respond to questions from the prosecution.

Defense Attorneys Can Secure Expert Witnesses and Other Professionals

When you need someone to substantiate your claims, your defense attorney can find the right people for you. He may contact expert witnesses that he has dealt with before and can contact a host of other professionals that may further your case. Because defense attorneys deal with experts and professionals on a regular basis, they typically have a list of reputable and knowledgeable go-to people and know how to elicit their assistance.

Defense Attorneys Can Get Fair Deals

While you may think you are innocent because you didn't mean to commit the crime, the prosecution and judge may not see it your way. Your attorney knows how to make sure you get the best deal and do not end up with an unfair judgement against you. He may plea bargain with the prosecution for a less stringent sentence and can advise you whether the deal offered is in your best interest.

If you have been arrested for a crime, contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. Try to hire a lawyer who works with your specific case type. For example, if you've been convicted of a vehicular crime, a traffic lawyer may help.