A defense lawyer can help more than you might think.

Just because you've been charged with a crime doesn't mean you will be convicted-even if you believe you are guilty. Criminal defense lawyers have helped thousands avoid convictions that would have seriously affected their lives.

Your attorney is your advocate.

A criminal defense lawyer strives to achieve the best possible result for you. That could mean having your charges dismissed, withdrawn or reduced without needing to go to trial. It could mean running a trial, if that is the best option to take. Or it could mean getting you the minimum sentence available.

Lawyers are bound by rules that prevent them from doing anything unethical, including misrepresenting any fact in issue. However, within the bounds of these rules, defense counsel may do all they can to protect you.

What your criminal lawyer will do for you.

A qualified, experienced criminal defense lawyer will meet with you to discuss your case and gather some basic information. They may discuss your preliminary options, but at this point they have only your version of events so their advice will be limited.

If you decide to hire (retain) a lawyer, the next step is ordering the police file against you. Your lawyer will review the file for its strengths and weaknesses. An experienced lawyer will look for answers to questions like these:

• Is the file against you complete or is something missing?
• Were the proper charges laid? Were you overcharged?
• Who are the witnesses against you? Are they credible?
• Did the police officer make any mistakes?
• Is there any admissible evidence against you at all? If so, what is it?

It may surprise you how much effort a criminal defense lawyer puts into preparing your case. Advising you requires hours of detailed factual preparation and in-depth legal research. Once they complete this, they'll meet with you and discuss your options.

What are your options?

You might learn that the case against you can't be proved, and that you should plead not guilty. Or perhaps your attorney will tell you there appears to be a case against you, but plea negotiations are appropriate. No matter what your lawyer advises, you'll be making an informed decision about how to handle your case.

The bottom line.

Never assume your case is hopeless. Call a lawyer and have your case reviewed. Once a criminal defense lawyer has interviewed you and reviewed your file, you will be given your options with detailed recommendations.

Even if you decide to plead guilty, a criminal defense attorney can walk you through the system to help you get you the best possible results.