People arrested or charged with a crime may wonder, “How long do I have to get a criminal lawyer?” There is no strict deadline to hire a criminal lawyer in Minnesota. However, it’s advisable to hire one immediately if you get arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a crime. Getting legal representation on time protects you from making mistakes that can compromise your case. It also allows your lawyer to build a solid defense strategy that can increase your likelihood of getting a positive outcome from your case.
So, how long do you have to get a criminal lawyer in Minneapolis? Learn more by setting up a free consultation with Keller Criminal Defense attorneys. Call (952) 913-1421.
Table of Contents
Consequences of Not Having Legal Representation
Navigating the criminal justice system can be challenging due to the confusing laws, statutes, and court procedures. Hiring a qualified criminal attorney is the best way to ensure you get the most favorable outcome. The consequences of not hiring an attorney to handle your case include:
You’re Prone to Making Errors
The legal system requires compliance with rules, procedures, and deadlines. Since you lack sufficient legal knowledge, you will likely miss essential steps or misinterpret the charges. For example, you may fail to understand whether you are getting charged with assault or aggravated assault, and this can affect your decision, thus attracting more severe penalties.
You May Prepare an Inadequate Defense Strategy
Lawyers know how to prepare adequate defense strategies that will help them win a case. They can easily identify weaknesses in the police or prosecutors’ evidence and use them to their advantage.
If you fail to hire a criminal defense lawyer early in your case, you will increase the chances of getting charged. You may also face harsh sentencing as your strategy may fail to exploit opportunities like reduced charges, plea deals, or presentation of mitigating factors.
Mismanagement of Plea Bargains
Lack of legal representation can make you miss opportunities for plea bargains. Without professional help, you may fail to negotiate favorable terms, thus getting harsher punishments. The prosecutor can also pressure you into accepting a plea deal without understanding the consequences. You might be innocent, but the prosecutors can use your lack of information to their advantage and push for charges that can attract harsher sentences.
Failure to Recognize Police or Prosecutorial Misconduct
Police and prosecutors must adhere to strict guidelines when handling a criminal case. Some prosecutors can violate these guidelines, which can negatively affect your case.
For example, the prosecutor can withhold substantial evidence that could favor your case. The prosecutor can also make inappropriate statements, like presenting personal opinions as facts, which can violate your rights. Other prosecutorial misconduct you may face include presenting false evidence, discriminatory jury selection, and abusing prosecutorial discretion.
You can avoid these problems by getting a qualified lawyer to review the prosecutor’s trial record, analyze jury selection, and monitor the handling of the evidence.
Poor Understanding of Your Legal Rights
In Minnesota, the law guarantees anyone accused of a criminal offense the right to use a public defender or hire a private attorney. You can waive this right and choose to represent yourself. You may, however, lack a clear understanding of your legal rights if you opt for self-representation.
You might, for instance, not know you have the right to file for post-conviction relief or get important information that could reduce your sentence or overturn the charges. Without proper legal representation, you might receive an excessively harsh sentence that is not proportionate to the crime you committed.
Compromised Ability to Communicate With the Court
Criminal defense lawyers are conversant with the criminal justice system. They understand the legal procedures, terminologies, and rules of providing evidence that can give you better results. If you handle a criminal case without a lawyer, you might struggle to present your evidence.
Interacting with prosecutors, judges, and other court officials can be challenging, and you can miss essential information and deadlines. Hire a lawyer who understands the case better, as making the above mistakes can hurt your defense.
When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Ensure you know how to choose a criminal defense lawyer so that you can hire someone experienced in handling cases like yours. Call a criminal lawyer immediately in the following situations:
Facing Criminal Charges
Get a lawyer if you’re arrested or charged with any crime, including assault, theft, drug offenses, DUI, or other criminal charges. Criminal charges in Minnesota are taken seriously and attract severe penalties like jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Your lawyer will advise you on what to do and develop a robust defense strategy on your behalf.
Receiving Summons
You need a criminal lawyer if you have been summoned to appear in court. The lawyer will review the summons, explain your rights, and advise you on what to do. The lawyer will also accompany you to the court and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
You Received a Plea Deal Offer
Sometimes, the prosecutor can suggest that you accept the charge in exchange for reduced sentencing or lesser charges. You should hire a legal representative to advise you on the next step. Your lawyer can also negotiate for a better deal.
You Are Getting Investigated, Questioned, or Interrogated
Call your lawyer immediately after you notice you’re getting investigated, or you’ve been invited to the police station for questioning. A lawyer will prevent you from making a self-incriminating statement.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Early in Your Case?
The imprisonment rate in Minnesota in 323 per 100,000 persons. Your best shot at avoiding becoming a statistic is to hire a seasoned criminal defense lawyer immediately after you get arrested or discover the police have commenced criminal investigations against you. A lawyer can help you in the following ways:
Strategic Guidance
Hiring an attorney immediately after you discover you are under investigation or after getting arrested allows the attorney to conduct an early assessment of the case. A good lawyer understands the importance of conducting a criminal defense investigation and will evaluate the evidence and determine possible loopholes. Doing this helps the lawyer develop an effective defense strategy to prevent you from getting charged.
Additionally, hiring a lawyer in the early stages of your case ensures your rights are protected throughout the investigation and trial period. For example, hiring a lawyer after you get arrested will prevent you from making self-implicating statements.
Bond and Bail Assistance
A lawyer will assess your case after you get arrested to determine if it’s possible to be released on bail. Your attorney can negotiate a lower bail amount during the hearing by presenting evidence. He or she will also ensure your bail attracts fair and appropriate conditions. For example, the lawyer can request the court to remove unnecessary restrictions, such as mandatory check-ins and movement restrictions.
Sometimes, the lawyer can request the court to release you on Release on Own Recognize (ROR) terms. ROR terms allow you to get released without paying the bail because you will voluntarily present yourself in future court appearances. Your lawyer will expedite your release by following the bail application process correctly to avoid delays.
Clarify Consequences
It’s the lawyer’s responsibility to guide you through the legal process. Hiring a lawyer right after an arrest can clarify the consequences of your criminal charges. The lawyer will interpret laws and clauses relevant to your case and evidence the prosecution may use to press charges.
Moreover, the lawyer will explain the penalties you might face, including fines, probation, imprisonment, and community service. He or she will help you understand the long-term impacts of your conviction, like inability to get a job, expungement eligibility, and loss of firearm possession rights.
The lawyer will also identify mitigating factors, such as personal circumstances and a lack of prior criminal history, to reduce the severity of the punishment.
Reduces Uncertainty and Anxiety
Hiring an attorney can help reduce anxiety and uncertainty, as you know someone knowledgeable is handling your case. Your lawyer will provide guidance, develop a defense strategy, represent your interests in court, and manage all the legal procedures.
Your lawyer will also communicate with relevant authorities on your behalf, so you won’t have to worry about making mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Still wondering how long you have to get a criminal lawyer in Minneapolis, MN? Contact us at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a free consultation with one of our skilled criminal defense lawyers.
