Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Colorado Springs, CO Of 2024

A criminal defense lawyer is an attorney who represents individuals who face criminal charges.
Their primary goal is to advocate for their client’s best interests and strive to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome.

As your legal counsel, the criminal defense attorney will evaluate the evidence against you, devise a case strategy, file any necessary motions, attend hearings and represent you at trial. They will also confer with the prosecutor regarding plea deals and the advantages or disadvantages of going to trial. A criminal defense lawyer’s responsibility is to guide and advise you to make the best possible decision in your case.

Public Defenders vs. Private Criminal Attorneys

Public defenders and private criminal attorneys are responsible for defending individuals charged with criminal charges, and both must uphold the standards demanded by the profession. Eligibility, caseload and compensation are the primary differences between a public defender and a private criminal attorney.

The right to a public defender applies to adults facing felony or misdemeanor charges and all juvenile criminal cases.

A public defender is a lawyer assigned by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford their own legal counsel. To qualify for a public defender, you must disclose your income and financial obligations to demonstrate your inability to pay for a lawyer. Public defenders are provided at no cost to the defendant; their compensation comes from government funding. However, due to high demand, public defenders often handle heavy caseloads, resulting in limited resources and time to dedicate to each case.

A private criminal attorney is available to those individuals who can hire and pay for a lawyer. You have the opportunity to shop around for the right fit for your case, and the attorney can choose whether or not they want to represent you. Because private criminal attorneys can dictate their caseload, they have more resources and time to dedicate to their clients. You are responsible for paying your private criminal attorney, and costs can mount if your case goes to trial.

Should You Represent Yourself in a Criminal Case?

You always have the option to represent yourself in your case. Although the Constitution guarantees this right, it isn’t always advisable to forgo hiring a lawyer. One possible exception to the rule is when it involves a minor infraction in which the penalty doesn’t result in jail time or a criminal record.

However, in a complicated criminal case, you risk the possibility of an unfavorable outcome that could mean jail time, fees and a criminal record. The judge will hold you to the same standard as a lawyer, and your ignorance about the laws or court proceedings will not excuse a misstep. Hiring a lawyer is advisable to gain a higher likelihood of a favorable outcome in a complicated criminal defense case.