Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?Legally, you are entitled to work with a public defender, free of charge. The problem is that they are typically overworked and have an extreme case load. This means that they are often unable to speak with clients quickly, it can take longer for your case to be processed, and they have less time to prepare for court. As a result, you can end up with a defense that is lacking in evidence and enthusiasm. Many public defenders want to help, but their workload simply prohibits them from doing the best job that they can. Hiring a criminal defense attorney ensures that you have someone who is dedicated to your case and has the time, energy, and resources to dedicate to it. If you are arrested in GA, you need to consider how important your freedom is. The choice in which attorney you work with can determine where you spend the next several years.
As a criminal defense attorney we provide an aggressive defense and will not let you get pushed around by the system. On your own, you can get taken advantage of and even wrongfully convicted. With us on your side, you are guaranteed to have someone fighting for your rights and for your freedom. Your entire life depends on what you do right now. If you hire an experienced attorney, your chances of staying free are increased. If you go with a public defender or a rookie you are far more likely to spend time in jail. With years of experience David E Barrett Attorney at Law can provide the strong defense you need to protect your future and your family. Whether you have been charged with a major violent crime or a DUI, give us a call.
It is also important to note that when you are charged with a minor crime, for example, drug possession, you still need to hire a lawyer. When you have a clean record, it is easier to fight criminal charges because the judge can see that you don’t have a history of criminal behavior. However, as soon as you are convicted, you no longer have a clean record. This makes it more difficult to fight future charges and can lead to more convictions and stricter penalties down the road. The key is to keep your record clean of any convictions, regardless of how large or small.
Do I need an attorney if I am innocent?Yes, you do. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is because the police and prosecutors office believe you to be guilty. It is not enough to say that you are innocent. You must prove that you are innocent. This can be incredibly difficult to do on your own, especially from jail. As a Blairsville criminal defense attorney, we have more resources than you do and can bring in expert witnesses as necessary in order to prove your case and your innocence.
How do you prepare for court?During our initial meeting, we will ask you a lot of questions in order to gain a clear understanding of the case and the circumstances leading up to your arrest. It is extremely important that you recount every detail and not leave anything out. You never know which seemingly insignificant piece of information can lead to the evidence we need to prove that you’re innocent or to create enough reasonable doubt that a jury won’t convict. This can be as simple as a receipt from picking up your dry cleaning or where you ate dinner so that we can go find witnesses who can corroborate your story.
After interviewing you, we will speak with any witnesses, we feel can confirm your story. This is important for your alibi and to prove your character. The type of character witness we will look for will depend on the crime you have been charged with committing. For example, a colleague may be able to testify to you being responsible and level-headed at work, which would demonstrate you being unlikely to steal from the company.
Sometimes the evidence that we need is not found in a witness testimony but rather in the surrounding facts and circumstances of your life. In this case we may want to review your bank records, bills, medical records, school records, etc. We will let you know what information is needed and by providing it quickly, it may be used to help strengthen your case. The key is to be available, provide the information that is requested, and answer questions with as much detail as possible so that your case can be solidified and presented clearly before a judge and jury.
How much will it cost?This is determined by the type of case, how much preparation work is needed, and how many days we spend in court. No value can be placed on freedom so when faced with the reality of being convicted and going to jail or living the rest of your life free and with your family, the cost of not hiring an attorney is far greater. We can, however, give you estimates during your initial consultation.
To schedule an appointment contact us at the number below and we will be happy to discuss your case and your options.