It was somewhere between 2380 and 2050 BC that the ancient Sumerian king of Ur, Ur-Nammu, first enacted a written legal code, but it did nothing to distinguish between criminal and civil law. Wikipedia explains that criminal law is related to the regulation of social conduct which threatens the welfare, health and safety of people. It also provides for the punishment of anyone who violates such laws. Civil law focuses on resolution of disputes and attaining compensation for victims.
The intention of criminal law is to deter undesirable acts, and as such it is good for societies to have some way of directing the behaviors of people. However, there are times when something goes wrong with this process and the wrong person gets charged with crimes. When this happens to you, it is important to contact an attorney right away to make sure that your rights are protected.
It can be very distressing when you are in the wrong place at the wrong time and the result is that you are charged with a crime you were not involved in. It is just as frustrating to do something you thought was right just to find that you are in serious legal troubles. Without the help of a qualified and reputable attorney, it is possible that you can end up spending time in jail, paying a hefty fine or even worse ending up in prison.
Speaking with a criminal defense attorney immediately upon finding out that you are facing legal issues is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. It is the work of the criminal justice system to see to it that justice is served. That work involves preventing wrongful convictions while at the same time discovering the truth and addressing the rights of victims.
Well trained criminal defense attorneys know how to make sure that the accused gets a fair trial. They guide them through the entire process from pre-trial procedures right up to the point the case reaches a conclusion. They can step in for defendants to advise them during questioning by the authorities, and have the ability to convince courts to drop charges when there is insufficient evidence to support accusations or improper procedures were followed. They are an indispensable part of the criminal justice system.
The average person generally finds the criminal process perplexing at best, and because of that should hire a criminal defense attorney with the experience to get them through it early on, when they find that they are being threatened with criminal legal action. Many engage the services of a qualified law firm while the purported crime is being investigated. This is a good maneuver intended to ensure the accused does not divulge information that could implicate them in a crime.
Criminal defense attorneys analyze all aspects of cases in order to identify and weak or strong points in their client’s case. There are even times when they recognize that it would be better for their clients to plead guilty if there is the possibility of reaching a plea bargain which would reduce or eliminate time spent behind bars.
Defendant’s rights are always of utmost importance to attorneys dealing with criminal defense. By upholding their rights it is more likely that justice will be served, and that is just what you want from an attorney who is working for you. You may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but you should not have to pay for a crime you did not commit. By putting your life in the hands of a competent and dedicated professional you will have everything you need to present an effective case and gain the freedom you deserve.
Tags: Albuquerque defense lawyer, Civil law, criminal defense attorneys, criminal justice system, legal troubles
