If you’ve never been under investigation for a federal crime, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You probably have loads of questions you need answers to, including whether you need a lawyer or what to look for in one. At Mishra X Trial Lawyers, we want to help you prepare for the road ahead, so we’ve put together some answers to frequently asked questions about a federal criminal defense.

What should I look for in a good attorney?

There are a number of qualities a good criminal defense attorney has that you should look for. Some of the most important ones include experience in the legal field you’re being investigated, strong communication skills, and having a strong reputation among their peers.

Hiring an attorney who has never worked a case that has to do with your crime is a major risk. Someone who’s familiar with your charges knows how to approach your case and will be familiar with past cases like yours. Someone who’s never worked with a crime like yours isn’t as likely to put together a strong federal criminal defense on your behalf.

Communication is essential to ensuring that you have the best representation available for your defense. Not only do you want your lawyer to be able to convey what’s at stake for you, how they’re approaching your case, and what comes next, they need to be a good listener. Your attorney’s ability to listen to your side of the story will play a significant role in how they put together your defense.

Finally, you need a lawyer with a strong reputation. Attorneys will build their reputation in local courts with their ability to put together a solid defense for each client. Your attorney’s reputation for building a strong defense can go a long way to ensuring your case goes as smoothly as possible.

Can an attorney help if I’m pleading guilty?

It’s not unusual to face multiple charges in a single case. Even if you’re planning on pleading guilty to one charge, you might be innocent of another. It’s never a good idea to walk into an investigation and admit to guilt. Your attorney can help you understand what exactly that charges are that you’re facing so you can make an educated decision about whether or not to plead guilty. You can greatly reduce your sentencing by sorting through the charges levied against you and admitting guilt only to charges of which you are truly guilty.

Should I talk to the police without a lawyer present?

There’s a common misconception that someone who doesn’t have anything to hide should simply sit and talk to the police or investigators. Even if you’re entirely innocent and have nothing to hide, it’s easy to have a slip of the tongue that leads investigators to believe you’ve admitted guilt. Always have your lawyer present when speaking to the police or other investigators to ensure that you’re not saying anything that might inadvertently incriminate yourself.

What happens if I’m falsely accused of a crime?

It’s not uncommon for someone to be falsely accused of a crime. However, you need to understand that whether or not you’re found guilty in your case is determined by the ability of the district attorney to prove your involvement to the jury. An attorney is crucial to proving your innocence before the case goes to trial or during arguments in court before a judge and jury.

Get in touch for more answers

You can learn more about what to expect with your federal criminal defense by reaching out to Mishra X Trial Lawyers. You can schedule a meeting with us by calling 949-343-9734 or sending a message using our contact form.

We look forward to working with you and defending your case.