MenuIf your child has been arrested or otherwise accused of wrongdoing, you’re likely angry at the situation (and possibly at them) and fearful for their future. Given the potentially life-altering stakes of your child’s circumstances, the time to seek legal guidance is now.
Whether your child is a minor, an older teenager, or a young adult – and regardless of whether the charges they’re facing involve a civil infraction, misdemeanor, or felony – it is crucial that an experienced legal professional gets to work on a solid defense strategy on their behalf right away.
Can Your Child Beat Their Charges Without An Attorney’s Help?
In theory, the answer to this question is “Yes.” In practice, the answer is “No,” with virtually no room for exceptions to this rule. Why is this the case? The legal system is not designed for lay people to navigate successfully with any ease. Just as the healthcare system is designed to be operated by licensed professionals, so is the legal system. The justice system won’t make adjustments or allowances for your child or family simply because you choose to move forward without legal representation.
Although your child – if they are a young adult – will be permitted to represent themselves, they likely won’t know what paperwork to file, how to respond to documentation requirements, how to properly address the court, or how to argue their case effectively. Prosecutors are very invested in their win-loss record. As a result, they’ll likely welcome the idea that your child lacks counsel because it will almost certainly be an easy win for them.
In the famous case that confirmed a constitutional right to legal representation in criminal matters, the U.S. Supreme Court observed that “lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries.” When the U.S. Supreme Court itself acknowledges that the system doesn’t function in the interests of self-represented individuals, that says everything that you need to know about whether your child truly needs to be working with a lawyer right now.
Unfortunately, because public defenders are notoriously overburdened and may literally only have a few moments to prepare for each client’s case, your child will be best positioned to secure a favorable outcome if a reputable and honorable private criminal defense attorney represents them.
Read more in our blog: Public Defender Vs. Private Attorney
Finding The Right Attorney To Represent Your Child’s Interests
Not all criminal defense attorneys practice every aspect of criminal defense law. Some attorneys, for example, focus their practice on drunk driving cases. Others only represent white-collar defendants. When you seek representation for your child’s case, you’ll want to focus your search on local criminal defense attorneys who handle juvenile cases (if your child is a minor) or case scenarios that mirror your child’s situation.
Once you have identified a few local candidates who practice the area of law that is relevant to your child’s circumstances, you’ll want to research their reputation and their sense of professionalism. If their firm’s website looks like a teenager crafted it, this isn’t a good sign. And although every professional gets bad reviews now and again, if they don’t have favorable ratings overall, it is probably a good idea to move on.
Once you have identified a few attorneys or firms that seem to meet your child’s needs, it is time to dig deeper into your research. Does the attorney you’re reaching have much experience, or are they newer to the profession? Are they working with other attorneys who could potentially lend their knowledge to the case for your child’s benefit? Have they won any awards?
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Setting Expectations Moving Forward
Once you have singled out an individual attorney or law firm that seems to meet your child’s needs, it is time to reach out. You won’t know for sure whether a particular lawyer or law firm is a good fit until you’ve had a meeting about your child’s case. A consultation is a great way to get a feel for a lawyer’s personality, their approach to representation, and the way they’ll interact with you and your child moving forward.
It’s important to trust your gut here. If you aren’t comfortable with an attorney – or you believe that your child won’t be comfortable with them – this is not a time to extend them the benefit of the doubt. Your child’s future is at stake, and there are few things in life more consequential than safeguarding a young person’s future. Make sure that you feel good about working with a lawyer before you commit to building an attorney-client relationship.
A consultation is also a great setting where you can get a sense of what your child’s case will look like as it unfolds. You can discuss fee arrangements, communication preferences, and any concerns you may have. You can ask questions about any subject related to your child’s case.
So long as the attorney you’re speaking with is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and genuinely invested in aggressively advocating for your child’s interests, you can feel confident in moving forward to the best of everyone’s ability.
Find out more in our blog: Preparing For A Criminal Defense Case Evaluation
Seek Personalized Assistance From A Trusted Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
At George Law, we understand that furthering your child’s well-being and safeguarding their future has likely been your top priority since the day your child was born. Although you may not be able to “fix” their current circumstances, by helping them secure the professional support they need now, you’ll empower them to pursue the most favorable outcome possible (given the unique nuances of their situation).
To get started, you can log on to our firm’s website and utilize the 24/7 chat feature. Alternatively, you can schedule a free case evaluation by calling (248) 247-7459 or by submitting a contact form on our site. Criminal defense matters are among the most time-sensitive legal issues that affect Americans of all ages. As a result, don’t wait to get in touch. Reach out now. We look forward to speaking with you!