If the charged offender is guilty it’s up to the criminal defense lawyer to make the best defense possible based on what they may be able to garner from the facts. Evidence is critical in cases such as this.

Clients who hide things from their attorney’s will pay the price later when things backfire as the attorney is trying to make a motion on their client’s behalf. Ambushing the criminal defense attorney means not getting a reasonable outcome for the case.

The whole process starts when the defendant meets their criminal defense lawyer. S/he gathers facts and offers advice on what plea to enter. Once the plea is entered, there’s lots of time to discuss how the case will be handled further down the road. It’s at this point the lawyer sees the evidence.

During a trial both sides present witnesses, some experts, some personal characters references and anyone else relevant to the defense. Cross-examination is a big part of the process and takes place once the prosecution is done with the witnesses, and vice versa. It’s a bit like a tennis match, there’s always a winner and a loser.

At any point during a trial or even before one begins, there is the option to settle out of court. Any and all offers to settle must be discussed with the defense lawyer and the lawyer for the prosecution. This is often the turning point of a case, and the defendant needs to be aware of all the options.

If there is no settlement, then the jury is the final arbiter of the defendant’s fate. Any decisions made may be appealed. Discuss this with a criminal defense attorney. While criminal defense isn’t the easiest job on the planet, it critical in the great scheme of justice is for everyone.