Being charged with a crime can be quite frightening. Your guilt or innocence is irrelevant, though. In the United States justice system, defendants are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof lies with the prosecutor, not with you. That should provide you some comfort. A good criminal defense attorney will be able to mount an effective defense that casts doubt on the charges and seeks to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime. At the very least, a solid lawyer can prove that you are deserving of a lighter sentence. The defense you choose will depend on your circumstances and your attorney’s aptitude. It’s very important, however, that you gather as much information as possible before your initial consultation.
Gather Information
From the moment you are arrested or accused of a crime, you should start gathering information. You should save any relevant documents, which could include receipts, phone records, or text messages. Any occurrence around the time of the alleged crime and anything even tangentially related to the crime could be useful for a criminal defense attorney in Martinsburg, WV. It’s also important to call an attorney quickly, as each second represents a moment that could be spent on building a winning case. The professionals at a firm such as will be able to help you build an effective case. The earlier you contact them, the more convincing and well-prepared your case will be.
Cooperate with Your Attorney
Far too often, defendants do not cooperate with their criminal defense attorney. Your attorney is bound by honor and duty to help you as much as possible. The more forthcoming you are, the more able he or she is to mount an effective defense. Your attorney cannot tell anyone about the things you say without your permission, which is referred to as “attorney-client privilege,” so you are protected from incriminating yourself.
If you have been charged with a crime or are worried that you soon will be, you should contact a criminal defense attorney in Martinsburg, WV who will help you compile a good defense. A good defense lawyer could make all the difference between happily going home and spending some time in jail.
