Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The best time to call a lawyer is as soon as you suspect you are under investigation for a crime. An attorney can protect your rights, negotiate for little or no bail, determine the best defense for your unique case, file motions to have evidence suppressed or the charges dropped, and fight to minimize the potential sentence you serve.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I Plan to Plead Guilty?

Yes. An attorney can fight charges and protect your rights while police investigate the crime. Working with a lawyer can keep you from accidentally providing incriminating evidence against yourself or allowing police to search property they otherwise cannot look at. A lawyer can also help you better understand the charges you are facing, the evidence against you, and what defenses are available. Most importantly, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain to minimize your sentence.

Should I Hire a Private Attorney or Public Defender?

While public attorneys are just as high quality as private ones, only those who cannot afford an attorney are provided a public defender. If you aren’t experiencing financial hardships, you will need to hire an attorney. Additionally, you cannot be assigned a public defender until you have been charged with a crime. In contrast, a private criminal defense attorney can help defend you before charges have even been filed.

Are Lawyers Worth the Money?

Most criminal charges carry significant fines. If your criminal lawyer can help reduce the penalties or prove your innocence, that alone may be worth the cost of their services. Of course, avoiding or reducing a potential prison or jail sentence is also worth the cost. Peter M. Liss offers both reasonable rates and accepts all major credit cards, so financial concerns should come secondary to protecting your future.