hire a lawyer for your teenage trouble maker

It doesn't matter what the evidence is against you, you have a constitutional right to a criminal lawyer. If you can afford one, it's best to hire your own lawyer who will have the time to properly evaluate your case. Even if there is a lot of evidence against you, a lawyer may be able to help you with your legal proceedings. There are a few critical things a lawyer can do for you. Read on to learn more.

Evaluate Each Charge and Element of Each Crime

Even if it appears there is enough evidence to convict, that doesn't mean there is nothing a lawyer can do. There are elements of different laws that each charge against you is based on. Most statutes have multiple elements, and each element has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Your lawyer can weigh the evidence against the elements of the statutes being used in your case. They'll also work to get any charge reduced or dropped that clearly doesn't fully measure up. Your lawyer will discuss any legal problems with the prosecution and potentially avoid a hearing on the matter if the prosecution agrees there are legal flaws with any charge.

Negotiate a Plea in Your Favor

Your lawyer can help you determine if the evidence is so strong that you are likely to get convicted. Even with strong evidence, prosecutors are often open to plea bargains that prevent the need for criminal matters to go to trial. This helps the court system from getting backlogged, and it's good for defendants who need a break. If you have no prior record, there is a good chance your lawyer can get you a plea bargain that would give you a reduced charge or the opportunity to have charges dropped after a probationary period. With a tough case, these types of pleas are usually a good option.

Keep the Process Fair

If there is no plea bargain option and a trial is likely to happen, a criminal lawyer will defend your interests in court. They will ensure that the process is as fair to you as possible. They will look for process errors and any judgment errors on part of the judge that hurt your case from a legal standpoint. When the process isn't fair, that can be grounds for getting an appeal. Your lawyer will also ensure that any exculpatory evidence is presented to give your case the best shot at a verdict in your favor. A good lawyer will keep the law on your side as much as it's possible.

It's important to make sure you understand all of the consequences of your charges and what you are up against. A criminal lawyer will help you understand your case, and they will make sure that you are able to defend yourself against any charge you feel you are innocent of. Your lawyer will help you work through all of these things and give you a good shot at successfully resolving your case.