Everyone who is charged with a crime in the United States has the right to be represented by an attorney. While low-income individuals are eligible for a public defender, hiring an attorney might be a better choice for anyone who is charged with a serious crime. Public defenders have the same education as private attorneys but because they are employed by the state and cannot choose their cases, they are often much busier than attorneys in private practice.
Of course, some charges are more serious than others. Someone accused of disorderly conduct might be able to handle their case on their own. However, if a person is wrongly accused of domestic violence, robbery or assault, their freedom might depend on investing in a private attorney. When searching for legal advice in Vermont, it’s important to look past the cost and focus on their track record. A person who has been accused of a crime needs to know that their attorney has experience with the types of cases they are dealing with. A divorce attorney probably isn’t the right professional to help with a murder case.
No one should go to court and face a serious legal charge alone. By getting legal advice in Vermont from an experienced attorney who has been practicing criminal law for a while, a defendant may be able to make important decisions regarding their future. A large percentage of criminal cases are resolved without a trial. When it comes to determining whether the plea bargain the state offers is in the defendant’s interests, nothing can compare to the advice of a skilled attorney.
A courtroom can be a very intimidating place for a defendant without legal counsel they can trust. A busy public defender might be familiar with the court processes and the other professionals in the room but they aren’t likely to have as much time and energy to devote to a single case as a private attorney. Anyone who has been charged with a serious crime and needs to talk to an experienced criminal lawyer should contact us to learn more about how they may benefit from the time and attention an attorney could offer.