When caught on the wrong side of the law, it is important to get the absolute best defense possible, no matter what you decide to plea. As such, hiring a competent criminal defense attorney is the smartest move you can make because a lawyer can:

Reduce Your Sentence

Lawyers are adept at defending cases, so no matter what the outcome of your case, you're sure to get the most favorable outcome possible. Should prospects not look good, a good lawyer can often strike up a deal with the prosecutor, which can help you get a reduced sentence via plea bargaining. You shouldn't fret, however—a lawyer usually won't advise you take a deal if your case is salvageable. Regardless, however, it is best to have a safeguard should the worst come to pass. For example, you can sometimes avoid jail time for alternative sentences such as community service or other state programs.

Keep Your Record Clean

On your own, it is very difficult to get a favorable sentence, which can leave you with an embarrassing criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. A criminal record can make it very difficult for you to get a job, especially in any sort of lucrative career field, as most employers are hesitant to hire people with criminal records regardless of the type of offense. As such, having a lawyer can be the difference between having a stained record or getting off with a clean slate should your conviction be overturned. 

Protect You Against Misleading Evidence

Lawyers know best how to interpret evidence to a jury, so without a lawyer, it'll be very hard to stop the prosecutor from painting you in an unfavorable light with anything they might have at their disposal. However, with a lawyer of your own, you might be able to have evidence against you suppressed or at least spun in a different way toward your favor. This gives you a dramatically greater chance of getting off scot free, which will go a very long way to how the rest of your life is spent. Just remember, the system won't do you any favors on its own, so hiring a lawyer is the best way to defend yourself against circumstantial evidence and misleading eye witness reports.

All in all, there is absolutely no reason you should ever give up your right to an attorney, as this can be a major blow to your chances of being able to leave the free lifestyle that you deserve. For more information, contact a criminal lawyer in your area like Dimeo Law Offices.