Getting arrested or accused of a crime can be a stressful situation, especially if you are not actually guilty. Whether you are guilty or not, it’s typically a good idea to seek legal representation. When it comes to navigating criminal charges against you, here are some ways to determine whether you need representation and how to find a defense lawyer in Bucks County.

Decide If You Need a Lawyer

The first thing you should do is determine what you need legally. Even something as minor as a traffic violation can be handled by a legal representation. In some cases, you can even get your traffic lawyer to attend court for you so that you don’t have to hassle with it. Even if you do not decide to get representation, it is wise to at least get advice before you go to court.

Research Defense Lawyers

Once you determine if you need a lawyer, the next step is to find out what it is that a defense lawyer does. Depending on the Bucks County attorney, there may be some specific cases that they do and do not handle. Researching the different kinds of lawyers and what cases they handle can help you narrow down your search later.

Find a Specialist

Once you begin your search for a lawyer, make sure that you are choosing one that specializes in your kind of criminal charge. Some lawyers concentrate on certain areas, such as fraud or arson, and this means that they are not devoting all their time and study into multiple areas and can better handle the specific area you are needing help with.

Deciding what you need in a defense attorney in Bucks County is an important step after determining whether you are going to need legal representation. Once you make that determination, you can proceed with reaching out to a qualified lawyer.

Handling Criminal Charges with a Lawyer

Even if you are arrested and charged, there is still hope. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania, like Michael Applebaum, can help you aggressively combat charges, and many will provide a free initial consultation. Investing in your own legal representation may help you avoid thousands of dollars in fines, as well as possible felony convictions and state prison time, depending on the severity of the charge.