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    4.  » How Does A Good Lawyer Try A Case

How Does A Good Lawyer Try A Case?

Investigation

A thorough investigation of the facts in dispute must occur immediately. Critical evidence and important witnesses can be lost if a prompt investigation is not conducted. Our firm employs numerous investigators and experts to ensure that valuable evidence is preserved.

A good criminal defense trial attorney must be able to perform a thorough investigation that includes review of the charges and the alleged facts, defenses and affirmative defenses, and potential sentence and sentencing issues.

An analysis of potential constitutional issues is also exceedingly important, as violations can result in the evidence being deemed inadmissible at trial. A good criminal trial attorney will also find any hidden evidence, unknown witnesses or other mitigating factors to strengthen the client’s case.

Preparation

Much of what distinguishes attorneys is the preparation phase. After thoroughly analyzing and researching the facts of the case, a good criminal trial attorney will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the case.

It is vital that the lawyer develops a defense “strategy.” It is also important that a good criminal trial attorney file motions during the pretrial phase to thoroughly prepare the case for trial.

Research

A good criminal trial attorney must know how to apply current law and past legal precedent to a client’s exact situation to develop a solid defense strategy. Every case favorable to a client’s case should be made known to the trial court.

A good lawyer will not perform bare-bones legal research but will research case law in all jurisdictions to locate favorable decisions.

Presentation

A good criminal trial attorney knows how to properly navigate a trial, from jury selection to opening statements, questioning witnesses and beyond.

A good lawyer must make effective use of questioning, cross-examination, legal challenges and presentation of alternative theories of the crime to ensure that the client receives a fair trial and is able to present any evidence that could raise a reasonable doubt about guilt.

Use Of Experts

Good criminal trial attorneys will hire effective expert witnesses and investigators to develop facts that strengthen the case.

Storytelling

Good criminal trial attorneys know that good stories hold the jury’s interest. Stories are essential in virtually every part of a trial, from opening statements to the questioning of witnesses, to closing arguments.

Good stories can arouse the judge and jury’s sense of injustice. Such narratives form the blueprint by which to persuade the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.

Our Awards Represent Our Level Of Dedication

In line with these principles, our attorneys have won dozens of awards for our groundbreaking work. To name a few: U.S. News and World Report’s Best Law Firms Award, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent ratings* and Super Lawyers. Our awards represent nights and weekends working tirelessly to defend an individual’s rights and freedom. Those honors reflect hours and hours pounding the pavement, reaching out to witnesses and preparing cases. The plaudits speak to our thorough research and complete dedication to achieving justice for our clients.

Ultimately, the awards and honors speak to the level of motivation that our entire team of attorneys has to serve people like you.

How To Contact Us

To learn more about how we can help you defend your criminal case, call Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law, in Jacksonville, Florida, at 904-356-9661 or contact us online. Our after-hours number is 904-233-2443. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak with you about your case.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.