Top Reasons to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

We know the law and the legal process

A criminal defense attorney has spent years studying the law, and is intimately familiar with the criminal-law landscape. In every criminal case, there are mountains of court documents, deadlines, and precise legal procedures. Sorting through and tracking these are time-consuming and difficult to deal with. For attorneys, all of this is second nature, saving you the time and giving you peace of mind.

Protection from the prosecution and their evidence

As local criminal defense attorneys, we are familiar with the judges and prosecutors in the area and will know about their tendencies. We are able to recognize or point out weak points in the State’s argument. We also have the ability to track down necessary records and argue against weak or contradictory evidence in court.

Access to other professionals and expert witnesses

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need the assistance of other professionals in addition to a lawyer. An experienced attorney has access a vast network of these, including private investigators, medical practitioners, expert witnesses and more. A knowledgeable criminal attorney will know who to get in touch with and how to get them on the stand. This could mean the difference between a conviction and a jail sentence.

Help achieving alternative sentences

For some crimes in Minnesota, the State offers alternative sentences, like diversionary programs. In addition, a criminal defense attorney can help you work with the prosecution to achieve a plea deal for a decreased charge, stayed sentence, or a continuance for dismissal. Find out more about case dispositions here.

We understand the collateral consequences that go along with a criminal conviction

An experienced Criminal Defense lawyer can anticipate your potential exposure in terms of a formal sentence, as well as informal long-term consequences. Less immediate impacts include enhanced penalties for future cases, inability to find a job or a place to live, inability to possess a firearm, and eligibility for expungement. We understand the specific consequences that go along with each criminal offense. We can help you reach a resolution that will least affect your lifestyle.

A clean criminal history

A criminal defense attorney can help you remove your criminal record through the expungement process. Depending on the crime you were convicted of, it may be possible to appeal and have it set aside so that it cannot be seen on your record. You cannot do this without the help of a lawyer.

You’ll save money in the long run. 

For example, if your charge normally carries a sentence of 6 months in jail and your attorney was able to negotiate a deal for no jail time and 2 years’ probation, or even better the case was dismissed. You receive a bill from you attorney for $3000! That’s a lot of money! But, taking everything into account, you’re still going to save money. Being out of work for 6 months you would probably lose more than that $3000 in income alone. If you also take into account fines, jail fees and time away from your family and friends, you’re going to wish that you had spent $3000 on a lawyer.

If you face serious criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will  listen to your story and give you a comprehensive consultation at No Charge. Call Sieben & Cotter at 651-455-1555 to arrange your free and comprehensive consultation, or send a request for more information.