Boise Criminal Defense FAQ

When you’re accused of a crime, acting quickly to defend your case is vital. Unfortunately, without an attorney, making the wrong move is all too easy. In these cases, a wrong move can cost you your freedom. 

That’s why it’s so important to get answers now, not later. If you’re unsure what your next move should be, the lawyers at Trilogy Law Group are here to help. While you prepare for your consultation, check out some of the most common questions we receive from our clients about criminal defense. 

Do I need to hire a lawyer?

If you’re facing criminal charges, hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney empowers you to better fight for your future and combat the charges. A criminal conviction of any kind will play a major role in shaping your future.

If you choose not to hire a lawyer, you will still have legal representation assigned by the state via a public defender, but you’ll be unable to choose your specific attorney based on the factors you value most. Choose your lawyer and hire an attorney ready to advocate for your future with a long history of success. 

What penalties am I facing?

Every charge is different, and each charge has different penalties you could be facing. This could include a fee, jail time, or other unique penalties like required driving classes or mandatory rehabilitation. 

If you’re not sure what to expect from your case and what specific penalties accompany your charge, your criminal defense attorney can help.

How long will the case take?

The court process can take months or it can stretch into years before it gets fully solved. There are many different stages within the litigation process, including the initial hearing, plea bargaining, the preliminary hearing, pre-trial motions, and the trial itself. 

When you partner with a skilled criminal defense attorney, you ensure that you know what comes next within your process and that you’re prepared for the next steps. Though the court process can be lengthy, your criminal defense lawyer will keep you updated so you know they’re pushing your case forward and developing a strong argument to help you win. 

Will the prosecutor communicate with me directly, or my lawyer?

During the majority of stages within the process, the court will communicate with your lawyer only. Lawyers are required to communicate with the legal parties that represent defendants rather than the defendant themself, so you shouldn’t feel concerned that the prosecutor will contact you directly. 

However, during the trial, the prosecutor can communicate directly with you and will typically ask a series of questions to build their case before the judge or jury. Before this happens, your criminal defense attorney will help to prepare you so you can confidently face the stands without worrying about what to expect.

I want a plea deal. How do I get one?

A plea deal is an arrangement where a prosecutor provides a concession when a defendant agrees to a guilty plea. This typically carries a lighter sentence or charge than you would receive were the case to go to trial. 

Though it’s not guaranteed in every instance, your criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to receive a plea deal. A professional, skilled criminal defense attorney increases your chance of achieving a plea deal. Your lawyer can also inform you of what to expect, identify what you want from a plea deal, and advocate for your best interests.

Does it matter to my lawyer if I’m guilty?

Your criminal defense lawyer is tasked with fighting for your freedom and disproving the prosecution. Full honesty is important in this effort because your lawyer needs ample information to build your best argument and to prepare for what arguments they may hear from the prosecution. 

In some cases, the facts your lawyer is armed with may show you did commit the crime. Even if you’re guilty of the crime, your lawyer will still advocate for your best interests. This may mean fighting for the best plea deal, or it may involve your lawyer showing that the prosecution cannot prove their case. Your lawyer is focused on fighting for you, and that doesn’t change if the facts they learn about your case do show your guilt. 

What can I do for my best chance at beating the charges?

Beating criminal charges is easier with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who has a strong history of success. Choosing a lawyer as early in the process as possible will ensure you have a legal advocate so you know what to expect and don’t miss any key dates and court appearances. 

As you work with your lawyer, be honest and open from the start. Your lawyer will begin building your case swiftly and they need the full details at their disposal to do so. Down the line, if they learn of something you omitted months ago, it may weaken their case substantially. Be communicative and truthful from the start, and trust that your lawyer will build your best defense and fight for your future so you can beat the charges. 

When you’re ready to beat the charges, contact a Boise DUI defense lawyer at Trilogy Law Group today by calling 208-968-9060 or filling in our form below.