Most people who have been charged with a crime prefer to avoid going to trial at all costs. Juries are unpredictable, and there’s always a risk they will file in favor of the prosecution. A criminal defense lawyer in Auburn puts forth substantial effort to create a satisfactory outcome before the trial date. Sometimes, however, no suitable result is forthcoming. The defendant needs an attorney who will provide skilled and aggressive legal defense before a judge and jury.
A criminal defense lawyer in Auburn typically first works to convince the prosecution to drop the charges. Convincing a judge to dismiss the case is another desirable possibility. If these strategies are unsuccessful, the defendant may be willing to accept a plea bargain offered by the prosecuting attorney. Though this requires admitting guilt, it can allow the defendant to avoid a jail sentence. A term of probation is typically offered in exchange. Probation can be very restrictive and continue for a lengthy time frame. Nevertheless, it is nearly always viewed as a better option than incarceration because the person maintains freedom.
The person who has been charged with a crime may decide against the plea bargain if it does not seem advantageous enough. For instance, the prosecuting attorney may demand some type of incarceration sentencing. In addition, if this person is innocent, the idea of admitting guilt may be too upsetting to consider. The individual may be faced with admitting guilt and still having to spend six months or a year in prison. They may decide to rely on the lawyer to provide the best defense possible, although there is still a risk that the jury will issue a conviction.
Lawyers with a firm such as Yoder & Kraus provide skilled defense in this type of situation, beginning with extensive preparation for the trial. The defense lawyer will need to provide an opening statement to the jury, question witnesses on the stand, and perhaps question the defendant as well. Cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses will take place. Numerous effective strategies can be used to persuade a jury that there is not enough evidence to prove the prosecution’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.
