Being charged with a criminal act can be a scary thing. Your future and livelihood can be at stake depending on the severity of the charges. For most people, the idea of hiring a Philadelphia criminal lawyer is a no-brainer. For others, however, it is a decision that is not taken lightly due to the expenses it might cost.

Some people make the mistake of trying to take on a criminal case themselves, and they end up regretting that decision. There are many benefits of working with a reputable criminal attorney. If you find yourself facing criminal charges in Philadelphia, below are some reasons to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence. The longer you take to hire a lawyer and proceed with your case, the more time prosecutors will have to build a strong case against you.

Experience and Legal Knowledge

Unless you have legal training, it is not recommended to go through the criminal court process by yourself. Even if you have some knowledge of the process, prosecutors in the case will always be multiple steps ahead of you and have a huge advantage. For a better chance of a favorable outcome, you need to get legal help from a lawyer who has years of training and experience up their sleeves.

Thorough Analysis Of Your Case

Philadelphia criminal lawyers will sit down with you and review the prosecutor’s evidence in your case. They will compare your case analysis to the law and give you an honest opinion about your situation including best and worst-case scenarios. After the lawyer has gone through your case, they will be able to develop a strong strategy to handle your charges. Based on their strategy, they will do their investigations, make settlements or negotiations and prepare your case for trial.

Lawyers Can Seek Reduced Charges or Dismissals

One of the first things your lawyer will do is look for a way have your charges reduced or your case dismissed entirely based on a legal basis. Even if you feel there’s a strong case against you and your outlook is bleak, the right criminal lawyer may be able to find you a way out of it.

Have Evidence Included or Excluded

For certain cases, the prosecutors may have evidence against you that should not be included in the case for multiple reasons. The evidence may have been hearsay or obtained illegally. Your lawyer will be able to implement a motion to get that evidence excluded from the proceedings so that it won’t be able to hurt your case. Additionally, your lawyer can look for new evidence that may help support your case.

Argue for Reduced Penalties

Experienced criminal lawyers in Philadelphia know how to argue to get the minimal consequences for your conviction. They will do this during the sentencing phase or through negotiating a plea bargain on your behalf. Even if they are not able to get your case dismissed, they may be able to seek less jail time for you by offering community service or probation instead.

If you find yourself or a loved one being charged with a criminal act, it is not recommended to make the mistake of assuming you will be able to get through the experience by yourself just as well as if you hired a reputable Philadelphia criminal lawyer. Most people need help at some point in their lives. Do not face a permanent criminal record with all of the social and statutory consequences that come with it. Find a dedicated lawyer who will defend you and fight tirelessly for your freedom and rights.