Criminal accusations can have the potential to drastically change your life. Whether it is due to the jail time that these offenses can require you to serve or the stain that they can leave on your record, individuals that fail to protect their rights in these matters can find that they are forced to suffer far more severe consequences than what may be necessary. Often, these failings can be traced to giving credit to some dangerously misleading ideas.

Myth: Your Bail Can Not Be Changed

One of the first things that will occur when you are arrested is that the courts will set a bail amount for you. Paying this bail or arranging for a bail bond will be necessary for you to be able to leave the jail until the jury renders a verdict. Unfortunately, there will be instances where the bail amount may be set far too high. These situations can leave individuals feeling hopeless, but an experienced defense attorney may be able to help get your bail lowered by petitioning the court to adjust it based on your limited financial situation. This will require providing documents to the court to prove assets, income and ties to the community. Also, it will not always be successful as the judge will consider the seriousness of the crime when making this decision.

Myth: It Is Possible To Pick Your Court Appointed Attorney

For those that are planning on using a court appointed attorney during these proceedings, it can be easy to assume that you will be able to pick your attorney and the court cover the costs. However, this is far from the way this process will work as most court systems will have a public defender that can represent those that lack the ability to hire private counsel. Sadly, you may not get to spend much time interacting with your public defender as these professionals are often notoriously overworked, which can be another reason to favor hiring your own representative if it is possible.

Myth: An Attorney Is Only Useful If You Plan On Going To Trial

Some individuals may find that the prosecutor has offered them a plea agreement or they may assume that there is too much evidence against them to contest the charges. However, it can be dangerous for a person to make these decisions without professional guidance as they are unlikely to have the expertise needed to be able to interpret case law and create legal strategies. For example, your case may be strong enough to allow your attorney to make counteroffers during plea bargain negotiations.

For more information, contact companies like The Law Offices of Schiro and Zarzynski.

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