When should I get a criminal defense attorney?

On Behalf of Kaylor Law Group • September 18, 2023

You may have been arrested following a traffic stop, called in to speak with the police as a part of an ongoing investigation or be under scrutiny for other reasons, but if you are at risk of being charged or have been charged already, it’s time to work with a criminal defense attorney.


Even if you feel that it’s unlikely that the charges will stick, such as in the case that you are innocent of what you’re being accused of, it’s smart to have a criminal defense attorney on board. Why? The reality is that even innocent people have been jailed and penalized unfairly in the past. That could happen to you, too.

Your criminal defense attorney is there to protect your rights

When you are facing criminal charges, it’s important for you to know your rights. Whether this is the first time you’ve been arrested or you have a history of offenses, it’s still necessary to have someone be on your side to protect you.


A criminal defense attorney has a few different jobs. They’ll help by:


  • Going over the facts of the case with you
  • Reviewing what evidence has been collected
  • Discussing how you should act or appear if you have a hearing or trial
  • Giving you information on your specific rights and if or when you should speak with the police
  • Talking to witnesses
  • Look into laws that may apply to the case as well as defensive options


Your attorney will be there to support you as you move through the criminal justice system’s process. If you have questions, they can answer them for you and help you understand what kind of trouble you may be in.

Your attorney is on your team

There are often penalties, like jail or fines, which those convicted of crimes have to deal with. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to reduce those penalties. They may fight to change the charge or have the charges dropped completely, depending on the circumstances.


Don’t think that the charges against you aren’t serious or that you’ll automatically be treated fairly. It’s worth having someone on your side to help be sure you’re protected against biases and unfair penalties.

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