Generally, a person needs an attorney when they are under investigation for a crime or when they have been charged with a criminal offense.
Often, it is possible for an attorney to speak with a law enforcement agency and prevent criminal charges from being brought. An example is a person who has not paid their income taxes for several years and who is contacted by I.R.S. investigators. An attorney may be able to negotiate a re-payment agreement that avoids criminal charges being brought and the client being convicted of a serious crime and spending jail time.
It is never a good idea for an individual charged or who is being investigated for a crime to talk to the police without an attorney present. The police may use the statements against the person in court. Everything you tell your attorney is confidential and cannot be disclosed to government agents without your permission. Do not talk to the police if you are suspected of a crime: Call a good attorney immediately!
After charges have been brought, it is essential that you hire a very good attorney. The advantages of hiring your own attorney instead of having a public defender is that you can choose the attorney in whom you have the most faith to handle your important legal affairs. Often, court attorneys are under-staffed and cannot devote the resources necessary to achieve the best result in your case. I often compare the public defender´s office to a free medical clinic and private counsel to a private hospital. Just like you would wish to have the surgeon of your choice, you should have the attorney of your choice.
Having criminal proceedings brought against you is one of the biggest problems you will face in your life. It is important that you hire the very best attorney you can if you are suspected of a crime or have been charged with any crime.
