Does who you hire to defend you matter?

When people face criminal charges, they are often scared, nervous, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to expect. The legal system is complex, and attempting to navigate this system without someone on your side to explain every step of the way what you are doing and to protect your rights is unnerving. Additionally, the consequences of being found guilty are severe. It is best to have someone who can protect your rights when faced with criminal charges.

Does retaining someone within a local jurisdiction matter?

If you hire a local criminal defense attorney, they will often understand the local system, rules, and procedures. Every judge has different quirks that influence their sentencing and decisions. For example, based on your charge, some local judges require jail time for some crimes that other judges do not. Additionally, some court systems require payments of fines in advance of your release or, in some cases, of the plea. A local criminal defense attorney will understand the local rules and procedures and the clerks, marshalls, and their rules, enabling you to navigate this system. Criminal defense is not just based on a solid defense but on how the defense is presented. Additionally, with a local attorney, you can access local investigators and the connections established with that attorney with local professionals, which can be crucial to your case. These local resources can assist with gathering character references and evidentiary support necessary in your defense. 

Depending on the type you are facing, a local attorney will also understand the community’s attitudes and values in different situations. Some cases are better tried by a judge than a jury, based on the technical components of the case as well as the values of the judge to whom the case will be presented.

Remember that you should only work with a criminal defense attorney you believe is working in your best interest. It is best to have someone to guide you through one of the most stressful periods in your life. 

If you or someone you know has a question about hiring an attorney in northeast Louisiana, do not hesitate to contact the law office of Larrion L. Hillman at 318-549-9180. This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Larrion Hillman practices criminal defense in Caddo Parish, Webster Parish, and Bossier Parish, Louisiana. 

And remember, keep calm and let Hillman handle it.