When you’re facing criminal charges, the one thing you’ll most want to hear from a criminal defense lawyer is good news. You’ll want to hear that your case isn’t that bad, or you’ll probably get off easy. You’ll be delighted if your criminal attorney tells you he or she is certain the prosecutor’s case is weak, the evidence against you is undoubtedly inadmissible, and so on.
Unfortunately, a criminal defense lawyer isn’t there just to make your day. Your attorney will need to consider every aspect of your case – including the negative ones – and you’ll need to talk about things you’re likely to find very uncomfortable. In nearly all cases, a criminal defense lawyer that promises a bed of roses is being overly optimistic. There are always worst case scenarios, even if you are innocent of any crime.
Try not to become angry or frustrated with your criminal defense lawyer when he or she points out negative aspects of your case, or possible outcomes you don’t like. Expect that plea bargains may be offered, and they may even represent your best options.
A criminal defense lawyer that presents you with as much information as possible regarding your case regardless of whether it is good news or bad is doing a thorough, responsible job. One who minimizes negative aspects of your case or seems exceptionally confident about the outcome might make your day today, but there are no guarantees about what will happen on your day in court.