The criminal justice system has many players, each with specific roles. The prosecutor’s goal is to enforce the laws by convicting offenders and ensuring they are sentenced to certain penalties.
The judge is supposed to serve as a neutral decision-maker while the defense attorney is the individual who protects the rights of the defendant. Under United States law, all defendants have important rights, including:
The right against unreasonable searches and seizures
The right to remain silent
The right to reasonable bail
The right against double jeopardy
The right to a speedy trial
The right to a jury trial (in most cases)
The right to examine witnesses
The right against cruel and unusual punishment
The right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty
One of a defendant’s most important rights is that to legal representation under the Sixth Amendment. The law does not require a defense attorney, but neither police nor prosecutors may deny representation to any defendant who chooses to invoke this right.
If a defendant cannot afford to pay for a private attorney, the government must provide a public defender.
Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney
Defense attorneys serve many purposes and can often greatly improve the outcome of a case. They work to ensure that courts do not wrongfully convict defendants or impose excessive sentences for convictions.
A defense attorney will work to protect your rights throughout a case by:
Being present during police interviews and interrogations
Arguing in court to reduce your bail to a fair amount
Advising you about your options of how to plead and the implications of a guilty plea
Interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence regarding the allegations
Closely examining the circumstances of any searches by police and of your arrest to identify any Fourth Amendment violations
Examining the results of any chemical tests (common in DUI and drug-related cases) and ensuring the police or forensic lab technicians did not make any errors
Determining which legal defenses may apply in your case
Representing you at all scheduled court hearings
Discussing the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecutor, which may involve agreeing to plead guilty to lesser charges or to receive a lesser sentence
Helping you decide whether to plead guilty or take your case to trial
Representing you at a jury trial
If you are convicted, representing you at sentencing and arguing for a fair sentence
The above-mentioned are some of the many ways that criminal defense lawyers commit themselves to protect the rights of their clients.
Let Our Pasadena Immediate Criminal Defense Law Firm Assist You
Protect your rights as a criminal defendant. The Immediate Juvenile Defense Law Offices of Patricia Hattersley in Pasadena, California are here to assist you every step of the way.
To discuss your case, please call the office at 626-415-3737 or contact us - free case review with Criminal Defense Attorney.
Immediate Adult and Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney Since 1983
Patricia Hattersley
Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
Over 35+ Years
of Adult and Juvenile Crime Defense Experience
Office: 626-415-3737
Ray Fountain
Criminal Defense Attorney
Over 45+ Years
of Criminal Defense Trial Experience
Available 7 Days a Week
Office: 626-415-3737
The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers for You
If you’ve gotten charged with a crime, you have found the most qualified criminal defense lawyers in Pasadena to your situation. Contact Law Offices of Patricia Hattersley and Ray Fountain, Esq for a Free and Absolute Confidential Consultation.