I have been a trial lawyer for a very long time and I’ve worked as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer. So it is with all of those years of experience that I tell you in no uncertain terms: if you are charged with a crime, hire the criminal lawyer Santa Monica residents repeatedly turn to when they find themselves in legal trouble. This is not a time to skimp, to save a penny. In fact, I recommend that you earmark some money in your “rainy day” fund just in case you find yourself (or a loved one) in the traumatic position of being charged with a crime. Anybody with anything to lose—whether it’s as important as your freedom or more personal like your self respect, your reputation, the love of your family or keeping a job you enjoy—should not take being charged with a crime lightly and should seek immediate counsel from a criminal lawyer Santa Monica residents trust. As with any professional, there are varying degrees of knowledge and skill among criminal lawyers Santa Monica locals call when they must navigate the criminal justice system. Make sure the one you choose is the best that money can buy.
The night your Stanford-bound son is cited for underage drinking at a party or perhaps arrested for something much worse is not the time to start searching for a criminal lawyer Santa Monica high school parents turn to when legal charges are levied. I have been by the side of defendants hours after they have been taken into custody. Most are shocked, in a trance almost. In fact, one defendant was so shaken up he couldn’t remember his own telephone number. And, their parents and loved one? Worse. It is hard to think clearly when you have been thrust into a world where you don’t know the rules and the consequences are scary and life changing. Also, often families of defendants (the defendant is the person charged with the crime; the “victim” is the state, the city or other municipality), and defendants themselves, want to keep their arrest as quiet as possible. Calling so-and-so’s friend who you think you have may heard might have had the name of a really good criminal lawyer Santa Monica residents call in times of legal trouble is not the way to secure top representation.
Many of us think we know the system. We’ve certainly seen enough of it depicted on television shows. Unfortunately, that is not reality. In the real world, when it’s you or someone you care about who has to answer criminal charges, the justice system becomes a very big, confusing place. The only way that you will be able to have even a semblance of peace during this very trying time is to have a skilled, experienced, criminal lawyer Santa Monica residents trust on your side. And believe me it is better to do your due diligence, identify that criminal lawyer you want in your corner well before the need arises because you too may find yourself just like those defendants I knew—unable to think clearly, panicked and confused.