One of the people you'll need by your side when you're being accused of a crime is a criminal defense attorney. Fortunately, there are many criminal defense attorneys to hire. According to Practice Panther, there are 1,315,561 attorneys in the United States. If you're planning to hire an attorney, it's important to understand what services they are able to deliver. Here are some things you should know about working with a criminal attorney.

Representation in Court

This is the most common service provided by criminal defense attorneys. They spend considerable time representing those charged with crimes in court. Representation is very important for those accused of committing a crime. In fact, the United States Constitution promises that every citizen charged with a crime will get access to representation, usually in the form of a public defender. A criminal lawyer will look at your case and the evidence against you. They will try to find loopholes, and any other means possible to give you a chance in court. You can think of them as running their own investigation that seeks to oppose the accusations against you.

Negotiating Deals With Adversaries

Because of a host of factors, deal-making has become an essential element in the justice system. Some of the factors contributing to the increase in popularity of plea deals include overcrowded jails and overloaded court calendars. A criminal defense attorney can help you negotiate a deal with favorable terms with the prosecution. They analyze the prosecutor's case and assess the potential sentences. They also gather evidence and question witnesses during this process. This will give them some leverage to negotiate a deal that will make life easier for you.

Bail Reduction

When you're arrested for a crime, it can be decided that you should be detained pending trial. However, depending on the nature of the crime you're accused of, you may be required to provide bail as a guarantee that you will turn up for court. A criminal attorney can attempt to convince the court to reduce the bail amount or to waive bail altogether.

A criminal defense attorney can provide a variety of services. Because your attorney impacts the outcome of your case, it's important to take your time when looking for one. You need someone who is reputable with experience dealing with cases like yours. You need a criminal attorney with a track record of success. Get in touch with The Law Office of Kelley M. Enderley, PC for the most reliable legal representation.