If Texas police take you into custody, either during a traffic stop or after paying a visit to your home or in other circumstances, you no doubt might feel anxious or even afraid, especially if you’ve never encountered legal problems prior to that moment. If you wind up facing charges, the opportunity to refute them in court is a guarantee. Hiring a criminal defense attorney increases your chances of obtaining a positive outcome.
There are no rules requiring you to hire a criminal defense attorney. If you choose to do so, you can represent yourself in court. Before you make such a decision, there are several factors to consider.
A criminal defense attorney is worth the investment
An experienced attorney understands the criminal justice system and knows how to resolve a case in the swiftest, most economically feasible manner possible. An attorney also knows how to poke holes in the prosecution’s case, which might help you stay out of jail. In the long run, therefore, the benefits of hiring an attorney far outweigh the cost, especially because you might get results quicker, which means less time off work, which means you might not lose your job.
An attorney is well-versed in the Fourth and Fifth Amendments
Interrogation following an arrest can be an unsettling experience. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you against unlawful searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment protects you against self-incrimination, which means you have a right to remain silent when police ask you questions.
With an attorney present to advocate on your behalf, the interrogation process will be much less stressful. Your attorney can advise you before you speak so that you do not answer questions in a way that constitutes an admission of guilt or otherwise places you at risk for self-incrimination.
Should you accept a plea bargain?
If you’re representing yourself, you might not know whether it’s better to plead guilty in exchange for a plea bargain or to plead not guilty and decline the plea offer. A criminal defense attorney can review the offer and explain to you why one option might be better than another.
Facing charges in Texas for DUI, drug possession, unlawful possession of a firearm, theft, assault or any other crime means that you might incur severe penalties if the court hands down a conviction. You can boost your chances of a favorable outcome by allowing a criminal defense attorney to speak and act on your behalf throughout proceedings.