A felony in Tacoma is a serious crime such as rape, trafficking, homicide, or armed robbery. Felony charges carry very severe penalties, including imprisonment, and you may end up losing your fundamental rights.
While representing yourself when facing a felony is legal, it is not advisable. Studies show that 4-6% of inmates in US prisons are innocent. So, why take the risk?
Navigating the criminal justice system can be confusing without professional assistance. Here are reasons why hiring a felony defense lawyer in Tacoma is vital.
Felony Cases Are Complex
There are a lot of intricacies surrounding the legal landscape around felonies. Each case requires a proper understanding of statutory laws, procedural rules, and how to present evidence. A defense attorney has training to understand and interpret the complex statutes and the law around your case.
They are familiar with the steps involved, from arraignment and pre-trial motions to plea negotiations and a potential jury trial. An attorney ensures all these steps are handled correctly.
Additionally, developing a strong defense strategy requires experience and legal insights. Through this, a lawyer can effectively counter the case presented by the prosecution.
Can Protect Your Constitutional Rights
From the moment you are arrested to the time your case concludes, your attorney will ensure your constitutional rights are protected. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal representation. A lawyer will help you prevent self-incrimination and ensure fair treatment.
Additionally, legal counsel will ensure all procedures are conducted as per the law. They can spot any violations and call them out.
Additionally, lawyers protect you from unlawful searches. They will analyze the different methods through which evidence was collected. An attorney can even move to suppress any evidence that was collected in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights.
Build a Strong Defense
A good defense attorney will investigate your case, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to challenge the prosecution’s version of events. Lawyers also know how to assess how admissible and credible evidence is. In situations where you are facing a conviction, a lawyer can present circumstances that may lead to reduced charges or a lighter sentencing.
Navigate Plea Bargains and Trial
The decision on whether or not you will accept a plea bargain is critical and life-changing. Attorneys know how to assess a plea deal to be certain if it serves your best interest or a trial gives a better chance of getting acquitted.
If the case goes to trial, an attorney will advocate on your behalf while aiming to create reasonable doubt among jurors.
Reduce Long-Term Term Consequences
Apart from the penalties the defendant faces, a felony conviction in Washington can have long-term effects such as:
- Lower or limit your employment and housing opportunities.
- Affecting your civil liberties like voting or the right to own a firearm.
- Getting a permanent record.
After a conviction, an attorney will help you explore other options like appeals or expungements to overturn the sentence or clear your record. They will also advise you on how you can retain your rights lost because of the charge.
Conclusion
In a felony case, the stakes are very high. Securing legal representation is necessary to help you protect your rights and build a strong defense to ensure the best outcome.
