While every person accused of a crime deserves a defense, it doesn’t stop the myths from spreading about criminal defense lawyers. If you’ve heard any of the following myths, you may have felt hesitant to hire a Bloomington, IL criminal lawyer. Here are some of the most common myths about criminal defense attorneys and the truth behind them.
Any Lawyer Can Be a Criminal Lawyer
Given how vast and complex different areas of law are, it makes sense that there are lawyers who study and work in various practice areas. If you face criminal charges, you should not hire a lawyer who handles personal injury law or business litigation. While those lawyers would be excellent choices if your case revolved around their practice area, they do not have the experience necessary to form a criminal defense. Instead, you should only trust lawyers who have experience in criminal law and are comfortable navigating the criminal court system.
Public Defenders Are As Experienced as Other Criminal Lawyers
While public defenders help those who do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, they are not necessarily better than a lawyer you seek out to hire. Many public defenders are overworked and have too many cases to dedicate themselves fully to each case. When you choose a Bloomington, IL criminal lawyer instead, you’re choosing someone who has the experience and takes on cases he or she can handle. When a public defender has too many cases, he or she may be stretched thin. This can lead to missing deadlines, missing essential pieces of evidence and potentially compromising the case.
Criminal Lawyers Are Untrustworthy
This myth is one of the most damaging for criminal lawyers. It can also harm clients because they miss out on lawyers that could help them prove their case. Movies and TV sometimes portray criminal defense lawyers as morally gray figures who defend common criminals. In reality, criminal defense lawyers have years of experience and study behind them. They understand the importance of all people having their rights to a defense attorney fulfilled. All lawyers have ethical obligations and criminal defense lawyers are no different.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by the myths. A Bloomington, IL criminal lawyer has the skill and experience necessary to deal with criminal defense instead of other types of law. For those charged with a crime, defense lawyers better the individual’s chances of a successful defense.