The worst has happened, and you have been accused of committing a crime. Facing jail time can be incredibly scary, especially if you have never been in trouble before. There are many people who can assist you in getting the help that you need, but you need to know where to look. Below are just some of the individuals you will come across when dealing with a criminal charge, and how they can help you.
Bondsmen: These are people who can pay your bond to get you out of jail until your court hearing. For small amounts, you can pay the bond directly to them and they will get you out of jail. For larger amounts, you may have to put down a percentage or collateral. If you do not show up for your court hearing, the bondsman will keep your money or collateral and a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Public Defender: If you cannot afford an attorney, a public defender will be appointed to your case. Everyone is eligable for representation, no matter what their financial situation is. It’s best to hire an attorney because public defenders usually have a very high caseload and will not give your case as much attention as an attorney you hire, but they can be extremely helpful if you need one.
Criminal Lawyer Deland: A criminal lawyer can be the most important person you work with. They will be by your side through the whole legal process. They can help you get a smaller bond, a lesser charge, your charges dropped, a not guilty verdict, or a lesser sentence. This all depends on your case, but the best criminal lawyer Deland you hire will work to get you the best outcome possible.
Paralegal or Legal Secretary: These professionals work in the law office of your criminal lawyer. They are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. They can, however, assist with researching your case, filling out and filing forms, passing information between you and your lawyer, and anything else relating to the case.
Judge: This will be the person who decides what will happen. Anything that the lawyer tries to do must be approved by the judge to go into effect. If your case goes to court, they will oversee the case and the verdict that the jury decides on. They will also be in charge of your sentencing.