You have been charged with assault. You likely have a myriad of questions running through your mind –one of which being "Do I need to hire a lawyer to represent me?" Absolutely.
Having an assault lawyer on your side throughout your case is crucial. When seeking to beat your assault charge, you must go through a complex criminal justice system. You will also be going up against a prosecutor attempting to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, you will be facing serious penalties that can alter the course of your life.
An assault lawyer can help navigate the system, challenge the prosecutor, and seek to minimize or avoid criminal punishments.
When Should You Hire an Assault Attorney?
Taking action immediately in your assault case is critical. Even during your initial encounter with the police, whatever you do or say can impact the outcome of your case. You might think that you can talk your way out of your charges or prove your innocence by explaining your side of the story. But generally, law enforcement officials will use this information to build their case against you.
When you hire a lawyer for your assault charge, they can provide the advice and guidance you need every step of the way. They will let you know what questions to answer or statements to make (if any). Their counsel can prevent you from making self-incriminating statements that could later be used against you in court.
Also, retaining the services of an assault lawyer early on will give them ample time to build your defense. Challenging criminal accusations takes a substantial amount of research and analysis. Your attorney needs all pertinent information about your case – what led to the allegations, what happened when the police showed up, what happened during the arrest process. They will also need time to collect and preserve evidence, speak with witnesses, and review relevant case law.
Now is the time to hire a lawyer.
What Should I Look for When Hiring an Assault Lawyer?
The quality of your legal representation can impact your case. You must ensure that you hire a criminal defense lawyer who can competently represent you and will look out for your best interests.
How do you know which attorney is right for you?
You may consider several factors when retaining counsel, such as:
- Experience: Having an assault lawyer with years of experience practicing the law is crucial. They will be well-versed in the judicial process and the tactics the prosecution uses to attempt to prove guilt. Your attorney's experience should be relevant to the case at hand. Meaning you want to hire someone who handles criminal cases as opposed to mainly civil matters. Also, you may want to consider whether your potential lawyer has trial experience. Although not all cases go to court, you want someone on your side who knows how to present arguments at trial.
- Reputation: Another vital factor to consider is your assault lawyer's reputation. Are they well-known in the legal field? What do their peers have to say about them?
- Communication: A criminal case can be overwhelming, and you will likely have several questions along the way. You want a lawyer who is available and responsive and who you feel comfortable talking with.
- Reviews: One of the ways you can gauge your assault attorney's level of service is by reading past clients' reviews. If your potential lawyer has client testimonials on their site, go through these to see what others have had to say.
At Keegan, Tindal & Jaeger, our Iowa City team consists of trial-tested attorneys with over 50 years of combined experience. We are well-respected in the community and invite you to contact us at (319) 499-5524 to discuss your case.