Whether you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, shoplifting, assault, or another alleged crime, you have to make a decision—do you hire an attorney or fight your criminal charges on your own? While you have the right to defend yourself, hiring a criminal defense lawyer and entrusting your case to them is generally the better option for your future and freedom. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer, and when you’re ready to discuss your case with our team, call Delius & McKenzie, PLLC.

Your constitutional rights deserve protection

You are afforded certain rights under the U.S. Constitution, including the right to a fair trial and freedom from unlawful searches and seizures. But you can’t defend your rights if you don’t know that they exist—and that can have severe detrimental impacts on the outcome of your case. Defendants who do not assert their rights are at risk of having them trampled, which makes it nearly impossible for you to get a fair trial.

The stakes are likely higher than you think

When considering their legal options, people accused of crimes often Google their alleged crime and the penalties in their state. When they see the financial penalty or potential incarceration, it may not seem too bad—but there’s generally a lot more at stake. Charges often stack, which allows prosecutors to attach multiple charges to one incident. For example, someone arrested for possession of a controlled substance could also be hit with charges related to intent to distribute or possession of paraphernalia. When you consider the penalties and jail time that come with stacked charges, you could have far more to lose than originally expected.

Additionally, you have to think beyond just the jail or prison time and financial penalty. A criminal conviction can affect your life in myriad ways. While Tennessee does have employers willing to hire former felons, the fact is that a criminal conviction is a dealbreaker for many employers. If you are convicted of a sexual crime, you could be forced to register as a sex offender and be subject to community monitoring going forward. There is simply too much at stake not to hire a lawyer.

Attorneys know strategic defense planning

Criminal defense cases are incredibly complex. In some situations, careful maneuvering and strategizing could result in a full dismissal of charges. In others, defense attorneys are up against indisputable evidence and a plea deal that limits their client’s losses is the only real way out. There are many different ways to tackle a criminal defense case, and a one-size-fits-all approach is sure to leave you disappointed. When you choose an experienced attorney with a solid track record in various criminal charges, you can benefit from an in-depth analysis of your case and the evidence against you. Your attorney will look into how different state laws may apply and use legal precedents to bolster their case.

Benefit from your attorney’s negotiation skills and network

A surprising amount of criminal cases are done before they even reach the courtroom. A case that goes to trial costs a substantial amount of time and money for the state, and so prosecutors have a vested interest in securing plea bargains. They are also less likely to pursue aggressive charges if they don’t have the evidence to secure a conviction. This is where your defense attorney comes in. If they can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf, they may be able to get your charges dismissed or lowered, work on a plea bargain, or advocate for alternative sentencing options that give you a fresh start.

A strong network is undoubtedly beneficial in the world of criminal law. Even though your attorney is on the opposite side of the prosecution, their work puts them in regular contact with prosecutors, judges, and others in this sphere. Their network can work in your favor when it comes time to negotiate.

Prepare you for the courtroom

Going to court is a stressful experience, especially if this is your first brush with the criminal justice system. It’s not uncommon for defendants to be consumed with anxiety, which makes it very difficult to get through hearings. Your attorney can prepare you for every step of this process, explaining what will happen at each hearing, what your role is, and the potential outcomes.

Work towards the best outcome for you

An experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney in Tennessee will analyze everything related to your case and guide you through whatever comes next. Their access to professional investigators and understanding of how different judges may sentence a case can give you a leg up. The best outcome for you depends on the circumstances of your case. Maybe your attorney will push for a reduction in jail time, rehabilitation or probation in lieu of incarceration, or decreased charges that allow you to reintegrate into society more quickly. Not only can they help negotiate these solutions for you, but they can also explain the consequences of each one so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.

Fight for your future with Delius & McKenzie, PLLC

A criminal conviction can have a profoundly negative impact on your future, affecting your financial stability, freedom, work options, and reputation in your community. It is crucial to be proactive about your charges and do everything you can to fight for a favorable outcome. Our team is here to support you as you navigate this challenging time. We can fight for your rights and use our extensive resources to advocate for an outcome that gives you a fresh start. Let’s talk about your charges and what comes next. Call us or fill out our online contact form to discuss your legal options.