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Refuting Common Myths About Criminal Cases

21 June 2016

Norman Kelly

When a  person is faced with a criminal charge, it is critical for them to be as informed as possible. Unfortunately, many individuals are poorly informed about the criminal justice system, and this may make it difficult for them to make smart choices or to understand what to expect. If you have limited experience or knowledge about facing criminal charges, you may benefit from having a couple of the more routine myths about criminal charges debunked.

Myth: You Should Always Take A Plea Offer If It Is Offered

It can be common for the prosecuting attorney to offer the defendant a plea deal in exchange for a guilty plea. Often, this deal will involve a reduced sentence or more lenient charges. While it may be tempting to simply accept this deal, you should always have it reviewed by an experienced attorney before you make a final decision. The value of a plea deal will depend on the evidence that is against you as well as the terms of the offer. By having any potential deals reviewed by an attorney, you can ensure that you are making the best choice for your situation.

Myth: It Is Too Expensive To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney

Defending yourself against a criminal charge can be a complicated task. As a result, it is always advised for individuals to retain the services of experienced counsel, but there are some individuals that may assume it is too expensive to hire an attorney. Luckily, the courts can appoint a public defender to your case if you are unable to afford an attorney and meet the requirements of your state for public defense. These requirements often relate to the defendant's income and their expenses. For example, someone with a relatively high income may still be able to qualify for public defense if they have an extenuating circumstance, such as a dependent with extremely high medical expenses.

For those that fail to meet the requirements for a public defender, there are many attorneys that can help to make paying for their services an easier task. Often, this is done by creating a payment plan that will allow the defendant to break up the costs of their legal representation over the course of their proceedings. The exact options available can vary greatly from one law firm to another, which may make it necessary for you to speak with several defense firms, including firms like Medeiros & Associates, to find one that can work with your particular financial situation.

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