When someone commits a crime, they’ve broken the law. Whether you’ve broken the law or have been accused of doing so, you have the right to an attorney under the U.S. legal system. However, you may not understand what constitutes a criminal defense. Here are some important times when it pays to call a criminal defense attorney.

You’ve Been Arrested

After you get arrested, you'll be taken to jail for processing. How long you stay in jail depends on the crime you've been arrested for, previous convictions, and whether you have legal representation on your side. With a good lawyer, you may be able to get out on bail until trial. In that situation, you don't want to represent yourself. You'll need a good criminal defense attorney who can handle the case, gather evidence, and ensure you get a fair trial.

You’ve Been Caught With Drugs

From the misuse of pharmaceuticals to illegal street drugs, many people end up getting arrested and doing jail time for these substances. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, as many as 31% of defended crimes are the result of drug offenses. It's important to be aware of how harsh your city or state is when it comes to drug offenses. For example, marijuana, or CBD, has increasingly become legal throughout the United States, but every state has not legalized it. Therefore, if you have proof that you can use medical marijuana, you may not get arrested in one state. However, it may be a misdemeanor in another one.

You Have a Felony Charge

A felony is a serious charge, much more so than a misdemeanor. For example, a misdemeanor may only come with a fine or a lighter jail sentence. However, a felony can result in prison time. A felony can be something as serious as robbery, assault, or murder. However, if you have enough misdemeanors in certain states, it can eventually become a felony after you've been charged enough. For example, repeated DUIs that were previous misdemeanors can end up creating a felony charge, especially if someone was hurt or killed due to the DUI.

You’re About to Make a Confession

If you know you've committed a crime, you may decide to confess. Maybe your conscience is getting to you, or you realize you're going to be caught and convicted anyway. Before you confess your guilt, you should still call a criminal defense attorney. Even if you are guilty, you still have the right to an attorney who can represent you in front of a judge.

Your Current Lawyer Isn’t Doing Their Job

Just because you already have a lawyer doesn't mean you have to keep them. After all, lawyers aren't perfect, and some are better than others. If your lawyer hasn't been communicative or you feel they haven't represented you well, don't be afraid to switch up. You can always hire a new criminal defense attorney, even when you're in jail.

You Need Specialized Advice

When it comes to criminal cases, you could be facing charges for all sorts of reasons. Arson, assault, fraud, unlawful gun possession, trespassing, and larceny are only the tip of the iceberg. In our time, we've covered all kinds of cases, from white collar crime to homicide. Even traffic tickets are worthy of attorney assistance in many cases. If you're like most people and find yourself lacking in understanding of your case's inner workings, expert advice will help you reach a more favorable outcome. Make sure to seek representation for yourself from a professional who's deeply familiar with cases like yours.

Always be mindful of the laws of the state and the country as a whole. In addition, remember that people can be, and regularly are, unfairly accused of crimes they didn't commit. If you’re in a position where you must defend yourself in court, it's not a good idea to represent yourself. After all, there are reputable lawyers with years of experience who can help ensure you know your rights and can fight for them. Our firm has over 100 years of legal practice experience. When you need a reputable criminal defense attorney who cares about fighting for your rights, contact Ianniello Chauvin, LLP for a free consultation.