An experienced criminal defense lawyer can provide clients with the best possible legal defense and help them avoid jail time whenever possible. According to the NAACP, the United States averages about 3 million jail and prison inmates every day. Retaining a good defense attorney can help you have the best chance of not being one of those who are behind bars. Here are some of the ways your attorney might keep you out of jail.

Demonstrate You Aren’t a Flight Risk

There are two ways to challenge any criminal charges that you might face. One is from inside jail, and the other is from your home or a criminal defense attorney’s office. It’s always easiest to help your attorney build the strongest possible legal defense while you are out of jail, but you’ll need to show you aren’t a flight risk. Your attorney can help show how your job, family, and other obligations ensure you will show up for your court dates.

Uphold Your Legal Rights

An experienced criminal defense lawyer is your best resource for upholding your legal rights. If you are charged with a misdemeanor or another low-level criminal act, your attorney might argue in favor of the court releasing you without paying a bail amount. If you are charged with a more serious crime, your attorney could argue for a bail amount that the court commonly imposes in similar cases.

Challenge Probable Cause and Evidence

A police officer must have a good reason to detain and arrest someone, which is called “probable cause.” Your attorney might challenge the probable cause that led to your arrest if your rights were violated. Your attorney also could challenge one or more key pieces of evidence that they mishandled or unlawfully gathered. The police and prosecutor must share evidentiary information with your attorney, including any evidence that might work in your favor, so you can prepare your legal defense.

Help Arrange a Plea Agreement When Possible

Sometimes, the evidence and case are very strong. A qualified criminal defense lawyer should know when to challenge a case and when to try to obtain a plea bargain because the evidence against a client is strong. Instead of putting the client and court through a lengthy criminal trial that is more likely to result in a verdict that could do you more harm than good, your attorney might arrange a plea agreement for a lesser charge.

The goal of every criminal defense lawyer is to keep you from ending up in prison. If you’re facing criminal charges and you’re in need of a quality attorney, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Flynn Law today for more information or to schedule a consultation with us.