Pueblo Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal defense is one of the most impactful areas of the law. The sixth amendment of the United States Constitution gives anyone charged with a criminal offense in the United States the right to be represented by an attorney. This is true even if you can’t afford an attorney. At Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C. in Pueblo, Colorado, our experienced lawyers have been practicing criminal defense for years. We will fight for your rights from start to finish. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

A criminal defense lawyer’s primary purpose is to defend people who have been charged with a crime. There are many steps along the way that they must take in order to do this, including the following:

• Interview

One of the first things a criminal defense lawyer does with a new client is to conduct an interview. This includes asking them about the facts of their case and learning what the client’s goals are. Does the client want to take the case to trial, or would they prefer to seek a plea deal? If they don’t know what all their options would be, a criminal defense attorney should explain to them their choices and help them determine the best way to move forward.

• Investigate

A criminal defense attorney is responsible for thoroughly investigating any case they agree to take on. This includes speaking with witnesses, collecting any available video footage, requesting medical records in some circumstances, requesting and reviewing all of the discovery evidence from the prosecution, and making sure every necessary task is done to prepare for their client’s case. Most importantly the criminal defense attorney will speak extensively with their client and craft a strategy that will have the best possible outcome for their client.

• Negotiations and Trial

One of the primary jobs that a criminal defense lawyer does for their client is to negotiate with the prosecutor. They will discuss the case at length with their client and try to find any mitigating factors that can be presented in a positive light to the prosecutor in order to negotiate a quick resolution to the case. A criminal defense attorney will prepare and take the case to trial if an agreement cannot be reached. After a trial occurs, they will also prepare for sentencing if the outcome of the trial is unfavorable.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it demonstrates why a criminal defense lawyer is so important to your case.

When Do You Need a Pueblo Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Many people assume they don’t need a criminal defense lawyer until they’ve actually been arrested. While it’s absolutely necessary to hire a lawyer if you’ve been arrested, there are other circumstances in which you might also need a criminal defense lawyer.

• The Police Want to Question You

If you haven’t been arrested yet, but you are notified by the police that they would like to question you about a crime, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. Even if they claim you aren’t a suspect, it’s a good idea to always have legal representation prior to speaking with the police.

• You Were With Someone Who Committed a Crime

If you didn’t commit a crime but you were with someone who committed a crime, it’s probably a good idea to contact a criminal defense lawyer. Even if the police haven’t contacted you yet, it’s still smart to consult with a defense attorney in case you find yourself needing one in the future. The more proactive you are, the better.

• You Have an Arrest Warrant

If you haven’t yet been arrested but you know or suspect that there’s a warrant out for your arrest, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer before you talk to the police or turn yourself in. While you should always be entitled to speak with a lawyer once you’re arrested, it can sometimes be difficult and delayed. After you’ve been arrested and incarcerated, the police can sometimes take their time letting you get in touch with a lawyer.

Contact an Experienced Pueblo Criminal Defense Lawyer at Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C.

If you’ve been arrested or think you need a criminal defense attorney for any other reason, contact us at Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C., we can help. We’ve been handling all types of criminal cases in Colorado for years, and when you hire us, you’re hiring a lawyer who cares about your case as much as you do. With former prosecutor experience, we are in a unique position to understand all sides of the case and we will make sure you are defended the way you deserve. We will make certain that all of your legal rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.