What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer do in Asheville, NC?

Edwards Law, PLLC

Criminal defense lawyers defend clients who are accused of domestic violence, assault, abuse, traffic violations, and crimes involving drugs, white collar crime, or gun crimes. You or a loved one are looking for help from a criminal defense attorney to better understand and deal with the situation? It is important to get the assistance of Asheville criminal defense attorneys.

The Asheville criminal defense attorneys at Edwards Law can be relied upon for their legal expertise. Before we move on, let’s first understand the responsibilities of a criminal attorney.

What is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A criminal defense lawyer represents someone who has been charged with a crime. They must act neutrally and objectively in order to protect the rights of those accused of a crime. While criminal lawyers are the most prominently portrayed legal professionals on television and film, they do not show the details of their testing profession.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Asheville, NC Do For You?

Because of the diversity of the profession, and the sheer size of criminal law, there is not one set of guidelines that defines the duties of criminal lawyers.

Let’s look at the work of criminal defense attorneys more:

  • A criminal defense lawyer represents a client being investigated or charged with a crime. They protect the client’s rights and ensure that they get a fair trial.
  • Although the job of a criminal defense attorney is varied, some common responsibilities include:
  • Assisting clients via phone or in person.
  • Examining evidence related to an incident or case, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
  • Research, planning, and looking at problems.
  • Visit police stations and jails to speak with offenders.
  • Legal paperwork.
  • For the accused, prepare a convincing, precise, and thorough defense plan.

Take a Deep Look at the Matter, Examine the Evidence, and Dig Deep

Criminal defense lawyers spend a lot of time advocating their cases to juries on television and on film. However, this is only a small portion of their work. Lawyers spend most of their time in the background.

Lawyers usually start by talking to their clients. They review the allegations and any supporting documentation. They then give clients the opportunity to voice their opinions.

Here are some skills that great lawyers have:

  • Raise sensible questions
  • Clear communication
  • Pay attention to the details

A good criminal defense lawyer will tell clients exactly what they can and cannot do. The lawyers will discuss the client’s concerns, fears, and preferences before drafting a defense.

These could include:

  • Examining the facts, and the prosecution’s strategy for identifying weaknesses and gaps
  • Examining the evidence to determine if there are any omissions or misunderstandings.
  • Finding, hiring, and working with professionals who are able to analyze and comprehend the evidence
  • Locating any possible aggravating circumstances and other potential culprits. Also, any other information that may be of benefit to the client
  • Motions to introduce new evidence during a trial
  • Exclusion requests are filed for evidence that has been improperly obtained, tainted, or otherwise not suitable for trial.

When they are able to understand the information, lawyers often work with prosecutors to reach plea agreements on behalf of their clients.

These could include:

  • Use facts to convince the prosecution that their case does not warrant a trial.
  • In exchange for better conditions, request a statement or any other information.
  • An argument for a trial to be shortened in time and costs, and for fewer charges and punishment.

What Happens if a Client Admits Guilt to Their Lawyer but Pleads “Not Guilty” in Court

The North Carolina Bar’s Lawyer Conduct Rules provides that an attorney can choose one of these options if a client confesses to their lawyer that they are guilty, but continues to plead “not guilty” to the criminal accusations:

The attorney can withdraw from representing the client if the client is able to find another attorney in sufficient time before the hearing or trial, and he/she does not insist on the use of the same attorney.

If the client continues to be represented by the same lawyer, the attorney should exercise caution when handling the case. The case can be handled in any of these ways:

  • The defense lawyer will not be allowed to present a case if the offense was committed by another person.
  • It is not possible to prosecute the case in a manner that presents a positive case against the client.

The only way an attorney can challenge the evidence of the police is to cross-examine each witness to the police and ask the judge to declare that the police have not proved their case against the client beyond a reasonable doubt.

If the client insists on proving guilt or arguing innocence, the lawyer should cease representing him.

They can choose which path a criminal defense attorney takes, or alternate between them, but they still enjoy the daily satisfaction that comes with working hard toward worthy goals in a challenging, yet rewarding environment.

Asheville Criminal Defense Lawyers Are Available To Take On Cases of All Sizes

A client being accused of drunk driving, or worse, doesn’t automatically make them guilty. Each person has the right to a legal defense. It is possible that some of the allegations against you are false. For legal advice and assistance, you should not hesitate to contact us.

Our Asheville criminal defense lawyers at Edwards Law are experts in helping clients throughout the state defend against charges related to crimes in court. We are board-certified criminal defense attorneys in Asheville, NC.

Get in touch now with us!