Written by Michael Fayard
Courtroom dramas don’t capture all defense lawyers do for their clients. Defending a client charged with a crime is much more than arguing in front of a jury or even taking your case to trial.
Negotiation is a powerful tool that a Honolulu criminal defense lawyer will use to your best advantage. Your lawyer can negotiate to have charges dismissed, reduced, or another favorable result that protects your freedom and future in the long term.
Your criminal defense lawyer will likely start negotiating on your behalf from the start. Some of the things he or she can work towards are:
These are only a few common examples of what your lawyer can negotiate. Your attorney is the best person to ask about what you can expect in your unique case.
In law school and throughout their careers, the best criminal defense lawyers sharpen their negotiation skills.
Here are a few ways that defense lawyers negotiate:
In some cases, your attorney can help before formal charges being filed. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer before your arraignment and plea, your lawyer may be able to:
While the choice to accept a plea deal is yours, your lawyer can push for one in negotiations. This usually takes place before your trial. Your defense attorney may use the above tactics to show weaknesses in your case or present opportunities for a mutual agreement.
For example, a criminal defense lawyer may convince the prosecutor to reduce a felony charge down to a misdemeanor, which carries a lighter sentence.
In other cases, your attorney might convince the prosecutor to recommend a sentence that is less harsh if you agree to plead guilty. If they do that, the judge is likely to listen and impose a more lenient sentence.
In criminal defense, negotiations make or break your future.
Michael Fayard, Criminal Defense Attorney, has been fighting for his clients for years. As a former prosecutor, he knows how to negotiate with the prosecution to seek the best possible outcome for his clients. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (808) 445-6708 or contact us online.