When a person enters the criminal justice system, the entire process can seem overwhelming. In addition to being extremely complicated, the consequences of losing your criminal case can be particularly devastating. Unfortunately, this is a part of the legal system that you may not have any experience with, which can result in you being poorly informed about this process. By understanding the following two answers to common criminal case questions, your understanding of defending yourself against these charges may improve. 

What If The Victim Wants The Charges Against You Dropped?

There can be many instances where the victim of your offense does not want to press charges or wishes to have the case dismissed. While you may think that this will be enough to get the prosecutor to drop the charges, this may not be the case. Once the police have submitted their report of the incident to the prosecutor, they will have full discretion as to whether or not to pursue criminal charges against the individuals. 

In some cases, the prosecutor may consider the wishes of the victim, but this is never a sure thing for your defense. As a result, you should immediately retain legal counsel following your arrest regardless of whether or not the victim wants to press charges. 

What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Defense Attorney Versus Using A Public Defender?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney can seem like an expensive task to undertake, but it may prove to be vital to giving your case the best chance of success. Some people may assume that the court will be required to provide them with a public defender, but this may not always be the case. You must demonstrate a financial inability to hire an attorney on your own in order to be granted this type of service. 

However, it should be noted that even if you qualify for a public defender, you may want to at least attempt to find a private attorney willing to work with you on payment. Public defenders often have crushing workloads, and this means that you may rarely see your attorney if at all until your court date. By working with a private attorney, you can ensure that your case is getting the attention that it deserves. 

Defending yourself against criminal charges does not have to be an overwhelming or daunting task. By knowing that the victim does not determine whether charges are pursued against you and the benefits of working with a private defense attorney, you will be in a stronger position to protect yourself against criminal accusations and charges.

For professional legal help, contact a law firm such as Scott L. Kramer Law Office.