hire a lawyer for your teenage trouble maker

If you've been charged with a crime and you've decided to plead guilty to said crime, do you really need to hire a lawyer? Is it worth the money that you'll have to cough up? To be honest, yes. Here are a few reasons why paying legal fees to have an experienced attorney at your side is worth it:

1. A Lawyer Can Thoroughly Analyze Your Case - Piece by Piece.

Do you need to plead guilty? You could actually have a defense to the crime that you are being charged for and not realize it. However, a lawyer can look at the facts, evidence and circumstances of your case and help determine if you have a potential defense. For example, if you were arrested by a police officer without probable cause, the evidence that was found during your arrest may be able to be suppressed (aka dismissed). Even if this isn't the case, your attorney can challenge the evidence, which may help strengthen your position to get a good plea deal.

2. Your Attorney Can Help You Negotiate a More Favorable Plea Deal.

If you live in California and were offered two weeks in jail for your first-time drunk driving offense, you may think you should take it. It sounds like a good deal, right? Well, it isn't. The law states that for a first-time DUI offender, you can get as little as four days in jail. Your attorney would have the knowledge of the law and would advise you of this so that you didn't accept a deal that wasn't in your favor.

3. A Lawyer Will Know That They Can Request the Participation in a Diversion Program.

Most run-of-the-mill people are not familiar with diversion programs. However, a lawyer will be. Depending on the exact circumstances surrounding your arrest and supposed crime, you could qualify to participate in a diversion program. These programs require something from you, such as a certain number of community service hours or to attend drug or alcohol rehabilitation meetings, but they can help you avoid conviction of the accused crime. Your attorney will be able to determine your eligibility and negotiate an agreement with the judge or prosecutor that is in your best interest.

Even if you know that you committed the crime that you are being charged with and want to enter a guilty plea, it may be in your best interest to consult with a criminal defense attorney. In some cases, it can make all the difference in keeping you out of jail and possibly even without a conviction on your criminal record.

For more information, contact Kayle Jackson or a similar legal professional.