No one plans to end up in handcuffs accused of a crime.

But if you find yourself in that position in Redding, your first call should be a criminal defense attorney.

You might think that handling your own defense will save you money, but it may cost you a lot more than money. Without knowing the nuances of California criminal law, you could make major mistakes that cost you your freedom.

Keep reading to find out why you should hire a criminal defense attorney in Redding.

Understanding the Local Courts.
When you’re charged with a crime in Redding, you want a local attorney who knows the local courts. The familiarity allows your attorney to make better decisions for your case.

Attorneys who defend clients frequently in local courts learn the tendencies and strategies used by local prosecutors.

They learn how to interact successfully with different judges in the local courts.

With those things in mind, they can customize your defense to increase your odds of winning.

Criminal Defense Expertise.
A criminal defense attorney understands the processes that go into action as soon as you’re arrested. Dealing with the judicial system can be confusing and scary for the average person. Your attorney has a strong understanding of how it all works and what they need to do to defend your case.  This expertise means you don’t have to spend hours researching yourself to learn the ins and outs of the justice system.

Your attorney can explain the process and the options for your defense. While they can’t guarantee how the case will turn out, they can give you an idea of the possible outcomes.

When you have questions, you can contact your attorney directly for expert answers. When you defend yourself, you don’t get that support system.

Help With Paperwork and Deadlines.
Any time you’re dealing with the legal system, it’s important to complete paperwork completely, accurately, and on time. One small mistake or a missed deadline could hurt your case.

Your attorney knows exactly what needs to be filed and how to complete the documents. The paperwork can be complicated and difficult to understand. Legal terms are often confusing if you don’t have a legal background.

They pay close attention to deadlines to ensure everything is submitted on time. This can help keep your case organized and on track. You’ll also have less stress at an already difficult time.

Faster Process.
Your defense team gets to work on your case right away. Since they already understand the foundations of the law, they don’t have to waste time researching the basics as you might.

They can help avoid a long trial with pre-trial negotiations. Attorneys are often master negotiators since that’s a big part of their jobs. You’ll benefit from having someone with negotiation expertise on your side.

Being able to settle out of court or have the charges dismissed greatly reduces how much you have to spend on your defense.

It also resolves the case a lot faster so you can move on with life. Even if you have ended up with a plea agreement that involves some time of punishment, you can get that punishment started sooner to get the situation resolved.

Aggressive, Dedicated Defense.
Prosecutors won’t go easy on you just because you’re defending yourself. They’ll use all of the aggressive strategies they know to get you convicted.

When you hire a criminal defense attorney, that lawyer is devoted to you and your defense. They help you avoid getting tricked into agreeing to something or saying something that could hurt you.

They also know what’s acceptable for law enforcement. They can potentially spot areas where the police didn’t follow correct procedures. This could help get the charges dismissed.

Your attorney investigates the situation thoroughly to create a custom defense strategy based on the situation. They can help find eyewitnesses and prepare the witnesses for trial.

Your attorney also helps prepare you for the trial to help you know how to answer questions and anticipate what might be asked.

Reduced Punishments.
Even if you’re convicted, an attorney might be able to minimize the repercussions of the criminal charges.

Your attorney might try to fight for a lesser charge. This can mean a significantly easier punishment, such as less jail time or no jail time at all. Your attorney might be able to get felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor, for example.

Criminal attorneys know how to negotiate plea bargain – https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/plea_bargain – to get you a lighter sentence if it looks like you’ll be convicted. In exchange for a guilty plea, the prosecutor agrees to ask for a reduced punishment.

Your attorney can also help you prevent other repercussions. A criminal conviction could affect your job in some cases. Your attorney can help minimize those additional effects.

Financial Protection.
You’re spending money to hire a defense attorney, but that investment could save you down the road. If your charges come with steep fines, your defense attorney might be able to get them lowered or eliminated completely. A lesser sentence helps you avoid jail time, you won’t miss time at work or risk losing your job completely.

A felony conviction on your record could cause you to lose your job or have difficulty finding a good-paying job in the future. If your defense attorney can get the charges dismissed or reduced, you might be able to avoid those situations.

If you have a professional license, you could lose it with a conviction. That could also damage your potential to earn a good living.

There’s no guarantee your attorney can get the charges reduced or dismissed or get you a not guilty verdict, but your chances are a lot better with an attorney defending you.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney.
Defending yourself in a criminal case leaves you open to making mistakes that can cost you. With a criminal defense attorney on your side, you can minimize the negative effects of a criminal charge.

Are you facing criminal charges in the Northstate? Contact us for an evaluation of your case.