Our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers Share Why Representing Yourself Is a Big Mistake
While you have a right to do this, deciding to go it alone in court wouldn’t be in your best interests, given the serious consequences you face if convicted. You need to retain the experienced Manassas criminal defense lawyers at The Wilson Law Firm to defend you and help you achieve a good outcome in your criminal case.
Why It’s Risky to Pose Your Own Defenses Without Legal Help
Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you have too much at stake to try to defend yourself. Criminal law is extremely complicated. Though no fault of your own, you simply wouldn’t have the experience or knowledge to recognize and effectively present your defenses.
You could also be at a severe disadvantage in court, especially if up against a much more skilled prosecutor who could take advantage of the fact that you’re not represented. In addition, the judge would expect you to follow Virginia’s Rules of Criminal Procedure and know what you’re doing at court hearings just like an attorney would.
So, without a knowledgeable defense, you could face months or years in jail or prison and have to pay large fines if you’re convicted. You would also have a permanent criminal record that may result in major negative consequences throughout your life.
How The Wilson Law Firm Can Help You
The benefits of having an attorney represent you in your criminal case far outweigh the costs of hiring them. Here are the many ways our legal team will assist you:
- Explain the charges. Understanding the crimes you’re accused of committing is crucial. Our criminal defense lawyers explain the nature of your charges, the potential penalties, and what to expect during your criminal case. Knowing all this helps you make informed decisions about your defense.
- Investigate your case. Our attorneys know that a thorough investigation makes a huge difference in how your case is resolved. We examine the prosecution’s evidence against you, interview witnesses—and hire expert witnesses if necessary. This helps us build a strong defense and establish weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case against you.
- Develop a defense strategy. We develop a solid strategy based on the specifics of your case. Even if you believe you’re guilty, you could have good defenses, including violations of your constitutional rights, that increase your chances of getting the charges against you dismissed or achieving another favorable outcome in your case.
- Negotiate a plea bargain. If it’s in your best interests and you want to enter into a deal, our legal team will negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor in which the charges against you are reduced or you receive a lighter sentence.
- Represent you in court. Your legal team from The Wilson Law Firm will be by your side and represent you at all your court hearings. If your case goes to a jury trial, we present evidence and witnesses supporting your defenses, cross-examine the prosecutor’s witnesses, and argue on your behalf to secure an acquittal or the best possible verdict.
Trust us to, as one of our clients put it, to “give you support in your time of need.”