If you commit a felony, then you will need to look into a strong federal defense. Federal crimes range in severity, but the majority come with at least a year in prison and heavy fines. To protect yourself and your freedom, the best thing you can do is to work with a criminal attorney quickly.
As someone accused of a crime, you have a right to counsel. Thanks to the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, you have a right to an attorney during criminal proceedings. If you can’t afford an attorney, you will likely have one appointed to you in almost any situation. This started in 1963 when the Supreme Court ruled that a defendant deserved representation when facing the risk of incarceration.
Your defense attorney plays the part of a person who educates you on your rights. Your attorney is also there to protect you against unfair bias and poor treatment. By law, you’re innocent until proven guilty, and your attorney will make sure you’re treated innocently until and even after an initial conviction if an appeal is possible. Your attorney is also in charge of negotiating a plea deal for you along with investigating evidence, cross-examining witnesses and objecting to questions or behaviors that are unacceptable at trial.
Your attorney’s job is to protect you, which is why the right to counsel is so important. Don’t let anyone try to tell you that you don’t have a right to speak with your attorney. You can ask to speak with an attorney before an interview or anything that could result in charges or a conviction.
