The 6th Amendment guarantees a person accused of a crime the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and the right to counsel. If they can’t afford one, the court will provide one. “Building a strong defense starts with a lawyer who understands your case, your rights, and how to fight for the good result,” says attorney Jeffrey Lichtman of The Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman.

So if you’re facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer. These professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of criminal law, procedures, and the judicial system. Their job is to fight for good results for you by building a solid defense.

This article will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how lawyers do it—how they build defenses for clients.

Step 1: Case Review

The first step is to review the case. Depending on the situation, it’s a thorough examination of everything, from the charges to the evidence. This includes witness statements, police reports, and other related documents.

The initial review provides your lawyer with a clear picture to identify strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it’ll help them understand the prosecution’s arguments and develop counterarguments, so they’re always one step ahead.

Step 2: Talk to the Client

Effective communication is key to any defense. Once your lawyer has reviewed the case, they’ll ask you to tell them everything you can remember, no matter how small it seems. This open conversation will give them more information and put them in a better position to anticipate and address challenges. Remember, it’s never a good idea to lie to your lawyer. After all, they’re the one person who will be there for you, ready to fight for your interests. So it’s better to give them all the details as they are. Lying to your attorney will only worsen the situation. 

Step 3: Assemble the Defense Team

The next step is to assemble the defense team. Your lawyer will likely work with private investigators, forensic professionals, psychologists, and medical professionals. Each of these professionals brings a distinct perspective to the defense. Private investigators gather facts, find and interview witnesses, and verify statements. Forensic professionals explain the science behind your case. Psychologists may offer valuable insights into the psychological aspects of your case. Medical professionals may be brought in to examine physical injuries and explain their causes and impact on your life.

Step 4: Defense Strategy

Fighting for your case means exploring all options, whether it’s an alibi or self-defense. Your lawyer will tailor each option to the specific circumstances of the case, anticipating all possible outcomes and preparing for them accordingly. So, choose a skilled lawyer with a good track record.

Step 5: Witness Preparation

There are several types of witnesses your lawyer can prepare to testify. The first is an eyewitness, a person who was present during the event, who can testify to support your claim or dispute the prosecution’s. The second is a witness, a professional in a specific field whose testimony can explain complex issues in the case. The third is a character witness, a person who offers insights into the moralities of a person associated with your case. 

Step 6: Be Flexible

You never know what will happen during a criminal trial. New evidence can come up, witness statements can change, and legal interpretations can shift. That’s why criminal defense attorneys are trained to be flexible to adapt to unexpected challenges without losing steam.

Conclusion

When you’re accused of a crime, you have several constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to counsel. Choose a lawyer who is skilled and has a good track record of trial success. Remember to always be truthful to your attorney, even when it makes you look bad. This will enable them to build a strategy and anticipate different outcomes, which puts them one step ahead. Call a qualified criminal defense attorney today for legal representation in your case.