If you’re charged with a criminal offense in McAllen, Texas, it’s likely that you might feel that the charges are unfair, or that you are not responsible the misdemeanors or felonies you’re charged with. At the very least, you might feel overwhelmed and confused about where to turn for help. Getting justice efficiently and quickly is essential for moving forward in life. While many people might think they can represent themselves in a criminal case, we’ve gathered expert opinions on just a few of the many key factors that make a criminal defense attorney essential.
#1: Access to Insight You Can’t Find Online
Representing yourself in a legal case is difficult in part simply because of the chasm between paper and practice in criminal cases. In books and online sources, you can find laws that define crimes, fix punishments for their violation, and mandate courtroom procedures. However, when it comes to the actual real-life application and results, there are critical nuances and interpretations that are only visible to seasoned legal practitioners. Criminal defense attorneys have the ability to interpret nuances of the law in your favor. According to FindLaw, attorneys can help you understand the nature of the charges filed, any available defenses, what plea bargains are likely to be offered, and what is expected after trial or conviction.
#2: Experienced Protection Against Community Pressures
One thing that individuals often underestimate when considering representing themselves is the role that community pressures, values, and politics play in many criminal cases. Nolo helps explain how judges must stand for re-election, prosecutors want to be successful, and police expect that the crime reports they bring to the prosecutor will result in charged cases. The public may be fired up about certain crimes and expect the judges involved in related cases to “get tough” on people arrested for them. These are complex issues that an experienced criminal defense attorney can navigate effectively.
#3: Leveraging Prosecution Power
Criminal Prosecutors hold a lot of power in deciding which types of charges will be pressed and what penalties will be enforced. According to Nolo, criminal defense attorneys can help by negotiating “deals” with prosecutors, often arranging for reduced charges and lesser sentences. Criminal defense attorneys have the respect of the court, while prosecutors may be uncooperative with self-represented defendants.
#4: More Efficient Use of Time and Energy
You have a job and other personal matters to attend to, and figuring out the law consumes time and energy. An attorney can make the most of your time and other resources by taking a more efficient approach to your case.
#5: Psychological Stability: An attorney helps defendants cope with the feelings of fear, embarrassment, reduced self-esteem, and anxiety that criminal charges tend to produce in many people.
What Are Your Next Steps?
Are you facing criminal charges in McAllen, Texas or the surrounding areas? It’s important to have experienced help fighting for justice in your case! The Tijerina Law Firm will take the time to clarify your case and explain your possible outcomes. Juan Tijerina has over 12 years of experience with both the Federal criminal justice system and the Texas criminal justice system, and he’s dedicated to helping you get your charges dismissed or reduced. Don’t fight alone. Call (956) 261-5609 or contact us online today!
4016 N. 22nd Street
McAllen, Texas 78504
Phone: (956) 261-5609
Phone: (512) 900-1126
