Criminal defendants faced with the possibility of going to jail or prison should always hire an attorney, whether their case is a first offense DUI, domestic violence, drugs or drug related, theft, assault or as serious as a sex crime or even murder. The truth is, no matter what the person’s intelligence or educational background, the criminal justice system makes it virtually impossible to do a competent job of self representation. Each criminal case is unique, and only an attorney who is experienced in assessing the particulars of a case–and in dealing with the many variables present in every criminal case–can provide the type of representation that every criminal defendant needs to receive if justice is to be done.
If you are charged with a crime, it is a serious matter. The consequences may include jail or imprisonment, mandatory treatment, fines, and probation. You may also suffer the loss of important rights and privileges, such as voting and driving. A criminal conviction may cause you to lose your job or forfeit future employment opportunities. If you are not a citizen of the United States, a criminal conviction may cause you deportation, exclusion of the United States or denial of naturalization. It is important that you are protected by an attorney in whom you have confidence.
