A felony conviction will have a huge impact on the rest of your life even if you are not sentenced to a prison term as a result of this conviction. This is because there are a wide range of rights that are not extended to convicted felons. For instance, being convicted of a felony will strip you of your right to vote, as well as your right to own or carry a firearm. You may also find it more difficult to secure employment or housing if the places that you apply to require a background check. This is why it is so important that you reach out to a qualified felony lawyer when dealing with these types of criminal charges.

When Is The Right Time To Contact A Felony Lawyer?

While many people feel as though it is not necessary to contact a criminal defense attorney until after they have been arrested and actually charged with a felony, the truth is that choosing to contact a qualified lawyer earlier on can actually help to prevent your case from ever getting this far. While it will not always be possible for a lawyer to prevent charges from being filed against you, it is always best to retain the services of attorney as soon as you become aware that you are under investigation in connection with a crime. This will allow your lawyer to advise you regarding any statements that you make to law enforcement and to ensure that all of your rights are protected during the investigative process.

A Felony Attorney May Be Able To Help Negotiate A Lesser Sentence

Not all criminal cases will result in an acquittal. In some cases, a conviction will be delivered by the jury even when the lawyer presents the best possible defense given the facts of that specific case. However, an experienced felony attorney may be able to help negotiate a lesser sentence even in these cases. This is done through a process known as a plea deal. By working with the prosecuting attorney in your case, your lawyer may be able to secure a lesser sentence or even have the charges against you reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor in exchange for your guilty plea or a plea of no contest. This is why it is so important to retain the services of a qualified attorney even if you feel that the evidence in your case is overwhelmingly against you. 

To learn more, contact a resource like Peter A. Garin, Attorney At Law.