Criminal Defense Lawyers
What is a criminal defense lawyer?
A criminal defense lawyer is a lawyer whose career concentrates exclusively on defending individuals or organizations charged with serious criminal misconduct. Some examples of serious crimes that a criminal defense lawyer handles are:
- drugs
- assault
- domestic violence
- murder
- manslaughter
- sex crimes
- DUI or DWI
- theft
- federal crimes
- internet crimes
- organized crime or RICO
- weapons violation
Under the United States Constitution, you are guaranteed the right to a legal representative when charged with a crime of this nature. Many criminal defense lawyers in this area are employed by the state of Pennsylvania, and are often called public defenders, but some can be hired from a private practice as well.
Why do I need a criminal defense lawyer?
When you are charged with a serious crime, your life can change forever. Even if you avoid conviction, you may always carry with you an arrest record and you might not be able to apply for certain types of employment. Your freedom, reputation, family, finances, and personal possessions are all at stake. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will ensure that you are guaranteed justice and proper due process under the law – that you are innocent until proven guilty.
A practiced lawyer, first and foremost, can give you an informed and objective view of your case. Legal jargon can often prove confusing to a defendant who is overwhelmed with the gravity of his or her case, but a criminal defense lawyer is well-versed in the inner workings of the system, and may be able to provide you with options you did not even know you had, such as sentencing programs that will help you avoid future run-ins with the law. They can help you decide if a plea bargain is right for you, or what it would mean if you plead guilty. They can better question the prosecution’s witnesses and may even be able to hire investigators that can challenge their stories.
It is important that you take control of your situation before it gets out of hand, and a criminal defense lawyer can represent you from your arrest onward. Do not wait until you have made a crucial mistake in your defense.
Where can I find a criminal defense lawyer?
There are many criminal defense lawyers located right here in the Scranton area. This website serves as a resource for those looking for legal representation in Pennsylvania, so read through our listings and see which lawyer is right for your case.
