As criminal defense lawyers, we do much more than simply question witnesses in court. We:

• Formulate sentencing programs tailored to our client’s specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the justice system.
• Provide defendants with a reality check, a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their cases go to trial. This perspective is vital for defendants trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor’s offered “plea bargain.”
• Are familiar with local court customs and procedures that aren’t written down anywhere (for example, a lawyer may know which prosecutor has the “real” authority to settle a case, and what kinds of arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor and/or the judge).
• Understand the possible “hidden costs” of pleading guilty which a self-represented person might never think about.
• Spend crucial time on your case.
• Gather information from prosecution witnesses as well as defense witnesses.
• Hire and manage private investigators to assist in gathering information to resolve your case.