In the United States, criminal law plays important roles in regulating social conduct as well as proscribing threatening, harming or endangering the health, safety and welfare of individuals. Unlike civil law that mainly emphasizes dispute resolution, in criminal law there is punishment of individuals who violate these laws. Criminal law is made up of a complex body of legislation. Therefore, if a person is under investigation for a crime or charged with a crime, it is important to hire the services of a criminal defense lawyer in Rockwall TX area. Failing to understand the rights as a defendant and the charges against an individual can lead to severe punishment. However, a criminal defense lawyer understands criminal law and can do several things to benefit an offender even before the trial commences, including:
* He or she can challenge the arrest, especially in instance where a police officer claims to have a probable cause.
* He or she can argue in favor of the defendant being released on reduced bail.
* A criminal defense lawyer can negotiate an agreement between the prosecution and defense team to ensure that everything works better for each party.
* He or she will also advise on whether going to trial is the best option or not. A criminal lawyer is able to do this through analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
* He or she can also go over pros and cons of pleading guilty.
To decide whether one is going to retain their defense lawyer or not depends on the complexity of the criminal justice process. This process varies from state to state, and the federal criminal justice system has its own procedures, rules, as well as terms to describe the stages of the proceedings. Generally, the criminal justice process involves three stages: investigation, arrest and arraignment. Throughout the three stages, one is required to hire an experienced legal representative to increase the chances of the case ending more favorably.
At the Law Office of Tim Hartley, an individual can find a competent criminal defense lawyer Rockwall TX. Whether one has been charged with a felony, misdemeanor or infraction, Timothy L. Hartley lawyer will work very hard to protect one’s freedom. They offer free consultations, and their charges are affordable.