Criminal attorneys provide invaluable services to those who have been accused of committing a felony. While everyone is entitled to legal representation, some people attempt to represent themselves or settle for a court-appointed lawyer. This may not be the right choice for your situation. If you have recently been charged with a felony, it is best to contact an experienced criminal attorney in your area to represent you throughout the trial process. Take a look below for just a few of the most important ways in which attorneys can help get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor or dismissed completely.

Arranging a Plea Bargain

An attorney can determine if it is in your best interests to submit a plea bargain. While this requires you to plead guilty to one or more charges, it can also mean getting charged with a misdemeanor instead of a felony. This is crucial because it can help you avoid a lengthy jail sentence. Not all felonies in all states are eligible to be reduced to misdemeanors, but if you have been charged with grand theft, vandalism, forgery, or burglary, it is worthwhile to sit down with an attorney and see if a plea bargain makes sense for your case.

Requesting Admission to a Diversion Program

If you are a first-time offender who has been charged with a non-violent felony such as drug possession, you should never assume that it guarantees you several years in prison. Instead, an attorney can help you apply to a diversion program, which usually involves completing some kind of rehabilitation program. If you complete this program and fulfill all other obligations, then you are likely to have your felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor or even dropped entirely. Keep in mind that some states may only offer admission to certain types of rehab programs, so your attorney can help you determine if you are eligible.

Contesting Facts of the Charge

If it is found that nothing about your conduct actually constituted a criminal act, or that your rights were violated during the arrest, then you may have grounds to have your felony charge dismissed. No matter how convincing you may believe your own testimony to be, it is never a good idea to represent yourself. Instead, contact an attorney who can prove in court that the facts don't add up and that you did not commit a felony crime.

For more information, contact a local criminal lawyer.

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