If you are being investigated for a crime, you may wonder, “should I really bother hiring a criminal lawyer in San Diego?” You may consider saving some money and cooperating with the police in the hopes that you will not end up needing a defense attorney at all or that you may qualify for a public defender.
Do I really need a criminal lawyer in San Diego?
Yes, a criminal lawyer in San Diego can not only help you fight charges once you have been arrested, but also help you protect your rights while police are investigating the crime. This could help you from accidentally providing incriminating evidence against yourself or from allowing the police to search property that they may not otherwise have a right to look at.
Additionally, a criminal lawyer in San Diego can also help you better understand the charges you are facing, the strength of the evidence against you, what defenses are available to you and what sentences you’ll be likely to receive if you are found guilty. If you are considering a plea bargain, your defense attorney can help you evaluate your options and negotiate the best possible deal available.
Should I just get a public defender?
Many people wrongly assume a private lawyer is always better than a public defender. What is most important is the quality of your attorney, not where they work. You want a lawyer with the training, experience, skill and passion to best represent you.
Unfortunately, you are only entitled to a public defender after you have been charged in court and if you cannot afford a lawyer. Unfortunately, even if you will certainly meet the financial qualifications for a public defender, the investigation process can often make or break a criminal case, which is why it is so beneficial to hire a criminal lawyer in San Diego as soon as you learn you are being investigated for a crime. Hiring a lawyer also creates a barrier between you and the police. The police will know you have a skilled defense lawyer protecting your rights.
It’s also worth mentioning that once you are charged in court and qualify for appointed counsel, you do not have the choice of counsel. On the other hand, if you hire a private criminal lawyer in San Diego, you can choose the one best suited for you and he or she can start working on your case immediately.
Is a criminal lawyer in San Diego worth the money?
Remember that most criminal charges carry large fines and if your criminal lawyer in San Diego can help reduce the fines or help you prove your innocence, that alone may be worth the cost of their services. That’s aside from potential prison or jail sentences and the effect that having a criminal conviction on your record may have on the rest of your life.
It’s also worth adding that while he is a top criminal lawyer in San Diego, Peter M. Liss offers both reasonable rates and accepts all major credit cards, so financial concerns can come secondary to protecting your rights and proving your innocence. In other words, whenever you can afford the services of a criminal attorney like Peter M. Liss, it is absolutely worth it to do so. If you are facing any kind of legal issue, please call (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024 to discuss your situation.
Creative Commons Image by Alan Cleaver
