Unfortunately, choosing an attorney is not as simple as picking the one closest to your home. There are many considerations you must make when selecting the right representation for your needs. One thing many charged with a crime do not know is the difference between an OKC criminal defense lawyer and a trial lawyer. As such, familiarizing yourself with the roles and responsibilities of each can help you make an informed decision when selecting representation. The following blog explores these differences in further detail.
How Do a Trial Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Lawyer Differ?
When charged with a crime, finding an experienced attorney is often the most essential step in protecting yourself. However, little consideration is given to the type of legal representation you should seek. A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who handles all the pre-trial considerations. A trial attorney will represent you in the courtroom. Once your case goes to trial, they are considered a trial attorney, even if you are represented by the same person.
Despite being the same person, the difference between a trial lawyer and a criminal defense attorney is significant. Many criminal defense attorney’s responsibilities end before the trial, such as negotiating with prosecutors. A trial attorney’s responsibilities include selecting jurors, arguing the case in court, presenting evidence, and questioning witnesses.
Generally, a criminal defense attorney will focus heavily on negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution to help you avoid a trial. Unfortunately, many criminal defense attorneys will settle for a plea deal, even if the trial would likely result in a favorable outcome for the defendant.
A trial lawyer, on the other hand, focuses on fighting for their clients in front of a jury in the courtroom. As such, an attorney with trial experience is much more willing to take the case to court to receive a favorable outcome rather than settling for a subpar plea deal. It’s important to note that many trial lawyers are criminal defense attorneys, whereas not all criminal defense attorneys are trial lawyers.
When I’m Facing Charges, What Should I Look For?
If you’re facing charges, you may think you can rely on any criminal defense attorney near you to achieve a favorable outcome. However, if your attorney has never stepped foot in a courtroom and only negotiates with the prosecution to secure a plea deal, this may not be in your best interest, especially if there is a chance you can win your case. Going with a lawyer who has never tried a case in court before will most likely end up with a less-than-favorable plea deal and a criminal record.
Instead, you’ll want to look for an attorney with experience in the courtrooms, like the Jones Firm, PLLC. Working with a trial lawyer who has argued many cases in the courtroom will give you the best opportunity at success. Not only can they examine the circumstances of your case before it reaches a trial, but if it’s in your best interest to fight the case in court, their experience and confidence in arguing your case can be incredibly beneficial.
At the Jones Law Firm, PLLC, our team is ready to go to trial for you. Headed by Attorney Ron Jones, our team has experience in the courtroom, relentlessly fighting for the best outcome for our clients by any means necessary. If you are in legal trouble and need representation, call us today to discuss the details of your case and learn how we can best assist you.
