The Big Question
If you’re charged with a crime in Minnesota, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether to get an attorney and which one to choose. A Minnesota criminal defense attorney acts as a manager for your case and will affect every part of it. So, before we decide how to choose one, what exactly will a Minnesota criminal defense attorney do?
The Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney’s Roles
First, the attorney will be your legal representative in court. The judge, prosecutor, and court administration will work through your attorney to deliver information to you. Often, the attorney will be the one sending letters and speaking in court on your behalf.
Second, your attorney will provide legal expertise for your case. A Minnesota criminal law attorney will be able to apply technical legal defense, such as improper search and seizure, to the facts in your case to determine what could be successful.
Third, your attorney will manage the support staff in your case. For example, if you are facing a Minnesota DWI, should you hire an expert to testify about the testing procedures used by the State? Your attorney will be able to determine what other professionals could be useful and use those resources to bolster your defense.
Fourth, your attorney will be your guide through the criminal justice process. In what I consider the most important role of the attorney, he or she will act as your advisor and teacher as you navigate through the often-complex Minnesota criminal justice system. It’s important for the attorney to provide candid assessment and advice about the criminal case. The attorney must foster a good, trusting relationship with the client and ensure that the client remains informed and able to make good decisions regarding their criminal case.
With these roles in mind, I will discuss some factors to look at when choosing whether to have an attorney and which one to retain in the next part. Leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions.
Eric Rice is a Minnesota criminal defense attorney who exclusively practices criminal law. Eric has handled, DWI, drug, assault, and many other types of criminal law matters. If you are facing a Minnesota criminal charge, contact Eric at (651) 998-9660 or eric@ricedefense.com to schedule a free consultation.