What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do For You

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Facing the Pennsylvania criminal justice system can be daunting. The complex laws and processes involved are enough to make even the toughest of us anxious. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the process on your own. A criminal defense attorney can guide and represent you. They can fight to secure a favorable outcome. Below, we take a look at the tasks that a criminal defense attorney can undertake on your behalf to protect your rights.

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The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal defense attorney plays a critical role in the legal system, representing individuals accused of criminal offenses. Their primary duty is to ensure their clients receive a fair trial and a vigorous defense. Here are some specific tasks and responsibilities of a criminal defense attorney:

Case Assessment

Initial Consultation: The attorney meets with the client to gather information about the case, including details of the alleged crime, the client's version of events, and any potential witnesses or evidence.

Legal Research: The attorney conducts legal research to understand the charges, relevant statutes, and case law that may apply to the client's situation.

Review of Evidence: The defense attorney examines the prosecution's evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence, to identify strengths and weaknesses in the case.

Assessing Legal Defenses: Based on the evidence and the client's statements, the attorney evaluates potential legal defenses and strategies to use during the trial.

Plea Negotiations

If the evidence suggests a strong case against the defendant, the attorney may engage in plea negotiations with the prosecution. They may seek a reduced charge, a lighter sentence, or alternative sentencing options such as probation or diversion programs. The attorney advises the client on the pros and cons of accepting a plea deal and helps them make an informed decision.

Evidence Gathering

The defense attorney conducts their own investigation to gather evidence that can support the client's case. This may involve interviewing witnesses, hiring private investigators, obtaining expert witnesses, or collecting physical evidence. The attorney also evaluates the admissibility of evidence and may file motions to suppress or exclude evidence if it was obtained illegally.

Legal Strategy

Based on the evidence, the attorney develops a legal strategy for the trial. This includes crafting opening and closing statements and preparing questions for witnesses. They may also anticipate the prosecution's arguments and prepare counterarguments. The attorney advises the client on the potential outcomes of the trial.

Court Representation

In court, the defense attorney represents the client during pre-trial hearings, arraignment, and the trial itself. They cross-examine prosecution witnesses, present defense witnesses, and argue legal motions. The attorney works to protect the client's constitutional rights and ensure due process is followed.

Jury Selection

The defense attorney may be involved in selecting a jury, using a process called voir dire to identify jurors who may be impartial and sympathetic to the defense's case.

Post-Trial Motions and Appeals

If the client is convicted, the defense attorney can file post-trial motions to challenge the verdict or sentence. They may also handle appeals to higher courts if there are legal errors or constitutional violations in the trial.

How The Attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Will Fight to Protect Your Rights

The attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim are committed to protecting the rights of our clients. We ensure exhaustive preparation for each and every criminal case that we handle. We see each and every case gets the attention and resources it deserves. We guide and represent our clients through each and every step of the process, including:

Case Assessment

Our team begins each case by conducting an in-depth assessment of the case. This involves meeting with the client to gather information about the alleged crime, the circumstances surrounding it, the client's background, and any potential witnesses or evidence.

Legal Research

Our attorneys conduct thorough legal research to understand the specific charges and legal elements involved, as well as relevant statutes, regulations, and case law that pertain to the case.

Evidence Gathering

Our firm conducts its own investigation to gather evidence to support our client's case. This may involve interviewing witnesses, obtaining expert witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and reviewing law enforcement reports.

Legal Strategy Development

Based on the evidence and legal research, we develop a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to the situation. This includes preparing for trial, crafting opening and closing statements, and planning for witness examination.

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Preparation for Court Proceedings

Attorneys at our firm will represent you during various court proceedings, including arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and the actual trial. We work to ensure that our client's constitutional rights are protected and that due process is followed.

Jury Selection

Our law firm takes an active role in selecting a jury, using the voir dire process to identify jurors who are impartial and potentially favorable to the defense.

Plea Negotiations

If the evidence suggests that a plea negotiation is a viable option, we will engage in negotiations with the prosecution. They would advise the client on the pros and cons of accepting a plea deal.

Continuous Communication

Our firm maintains open and continuous communication with clients to ensure they are fully informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Post-Trial Motions and Appeals

In the event of a conviction, we can file post-trial motions and handle appeals to higher courts, challenging the verdict or sentence if there are legal errors or constitutional violations.

Expert Witness Consultations

We will consult with expert witnesses in relevant fields to provide testimony or analysis that supports the defense's arguments.

Case Updates

We provide regular updates to our clients regarding the status of their cases, developments in court, and any changes in the legal strategy.

Get the Representation You Need

van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim is a dedicated and experienced criminal defense firm that invests substantial time and effort into thoroughly preparing each case to provide the best possible defense for our clients. You can rely on us to provide you with the support and representation you need when facing criminal charges. Contact us now to schedule a free initial consultation.