If you get accused of some sort of crime, whether it is assault, domestic violence, DWI, or something like breaking and entering, or vandalism, you will definitely want to have an attorney representing you right from the start of the process. Sometimes the government will assign you a lawyer and sometimes it will be one you hire yourself, but in any case the part they play in the criminal process is pretty standard.
First of all, the criminal lawyer in Rochester MN will want to be present while you are questioned by the police. Because everything you say to the police can be used as evidence against you and the police are really experts at getting suspects to say things they do not want to say, an attorney will protect your interests and prevent the police from asking you things they do not have the right to ask. They will also ask for the case to be dismissed or for you to be allowed to return home if the charges are not that serious. If you do have to be put in jail until there is a bail hearing, they will represent you at the bail hearing and try to get the lowest possible amount of bail set for you. Once you are out on bail, if you are, they will start working on a defense case for you. Sometimes that might be a plea bargain situation where you will plead to a lower charge for a lighter sentence than you might possibly get if the case went before a jury. A criminal lawyer in Rochester MN should also advise you of what is a good choice in their opinion, but they cannot make up your mind. You have a right to decide whether you want to take the plea agreement or whether you want to take your chances in front of a jury.
A criminal lawyer in Rochester MN will also listen to your story of what happened and advise you of what you should say or should not say. He is there to fight for your side of the story within certain constraints of the law and so you should definitely be able to trust him. If you do not, it might be time to find another attorney. If the case does eventually go to trial, then your attorney will also go to court for you, question witnesses, present your argument to the judge and jury, and represent your interests. If you should be convicted, he will plead for the lightest possible sentence and, if he thinks it is warranted, he will file an appeal.
