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Law Office of Michael D. Litman, PLLC April 24, 2023

Hiring an Attorney As Soon As Possible

According to statistics from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, there were 274,592 total adult arrests statewide in 2021. Facing criminal charges in New York State can be a scary and overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction could subject you to severe penalties, including a criminal record, prison sentences, massive fines, license suspension, and other life-changing consequences. 

Therefore, if you’ve been charged with a crime (either a misdemeanor or felony) or you’re under criminal investigation, you need to hire an aggressive and highly-skilled New York State criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for detailed guidance and to help build your case. 

With more than 20 years of extensive experience, our attorney has the diligence and skill to defend and represent clients in their criminal cases. As your legal counsel, we can investigate all of your case details and strategize a solid defense to help fight your charges in pursuit of the most favorable outcome. Our firm proudly serves clients across Westchester County, New York, and the surrounding areas, including White Plains, Yonkers, and Harrison.  

Reasons You Should Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney  

A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer that specializes in defending individuals, entities, and organizations that are facing criminal allegations. When charged with a crime, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference, since they have your best interests at heart, and their goals are your goals. 

Understand the Specifics of Your Charges 

A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the specifics and nature of the charges brought against you. Also, a defense lawyer can fully explain the possible punishments and help decide your best defenses. 

Know Your Legal Rights 

Under the Sixth Amendment, there are some rights that are available to criminal defendants. These include the right to legal counsel, the right to a fair hearing, the right to know your accusers, and more. A criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about your legal rights and determine the best way to protect these rights. 

Ensure Evidence Is Fairly Presented 

However, evidence constitutes a significant aspect of every criminal case. The available evidence against you will help shed more light on your case and determine if you’re innocent or guilty. A defense lawyer can help make sure that evidence against you is fairly presented. Also, your lawyer can find inconsistencies and strive to disprove the incriminating evidence against you. 

Prepare You for Questioning 

In addition, prosecutors are very experienced in questioning defendants at trial. In fact, they may ask contradictory questions to create inconsistencies in your responses. A defense lawyer can prepare you extensively for questioning from the prosecution and make sure your answers are simple, clear, and precise. 

Conduct a Private Investigation 

Also, a defense counsel can conduct a thorough, private investigation to discover more facts and evidence about your case or charges. Also, your defense attorney can help find witnesses and other factual evidence which will help establish the defendant’s innocence. 

Negotiate a Plea Deal 

Depending on the surrounding circumstances of your case, a defense attorney can help you negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor. In addition, your defense lawyer can explore the possibility of alternative sentencing. The ultimate goal is to get the charges dropped or help you achieve the best available outcome for your personal situation. 

When to Hire an Attorney  

Once you have been arrested for a crime, your home is being searched, or you’re under criminal investigation, you need to hire an attorney immediately. Your defense counsel can intervene right away and take proactive measures to prevent an embarrassing arrest or formal charges from being filed against you.  

Furthermore, under the Sixth Amendment, you have a right to legal counsel. You need to invoke that right as soon as you can. Once you tell the arresting officers that you don’t want to speak with them without your defense counsel, the police will stop interrogating you. If they keep asking you questions, you’re not under any obligation to answer. 

Considerations When Finding an Attorney  

When hiring a criminal defense attorney, here are some important qualities and considerations to put in mind: 

  • Hire an attorney that specializes in criminal defense law. 

  • Hire a lawyer with extensive experience representing defendants charged with similar offenses. 

  • Your attorney should be able to review and investigate every detail of your case. 

  • Hire a lawyer who knows when and where to be aggressive. 

  • Hire an attorney that can help you make intelligent decisions even under possibly strenuous situations. 

  • Your lawyer should be able to give unbiased and objective opinions about your available legal options. 

  • Your defense counsel should defend your legal rights and decide on different strategies to help fight your charges. 

  • Hire an attorney who can communicate intelligently and listen attentively. 

  • Hire an attorney with connections within the local legal community and other authorities that are involved in your criminal case. 

The above qualities and important considerations are crucial to help you hire the right defense counsel to represent you. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can work intelligently to get the substantial evidence you need to support your case, establish your innocence, and make sure those allegations don’t ruin your life. 

Don’t Wait Any Longer. Call Now.  

Trying to defend your charges or navigate the judiciary system without detailed guidance is never advisable. At the Law Office of Michael D. Litman, PLLC, we are dedicated to offering aggressive representation and reliable legal guidance to clients in a huge spectrum of criminal cases, including DUI, sex crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, murder, manslaughter, and drug charges. 

As your legal counsel, we can examine all of the facts of your case, craft a strong defense strategy, and work to refute the charges against you with factual evidence. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our attorney can guide you through the New York State criminal justice system and represent you vigorously at every phase of the legal process. 

Contact us at the Law Office of Michael D. Litman, PLLC, today to schedule a simple case evaluation with a reliable criminal defense lawyer. Our dedicated attorney can offer you the strong representation and reliable legal counsel you need in your case. We proudly serve clients across Westchester County, New York, and the surrounding area, including White Plains, Yonkers, and Harrison.


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