Being arrested for a serious crime can be a traumatic, confusing, and frustrating situation. Not only does a conviction lead to a jail or prison sentence, but also a permanent criminal record that can make it extremely difficult to get/maintain a job, find housing, apply for college or a professional license, and take advantage of other opportunities in life.
When choosing a criminal defense attorney to handle your case, having the right credentials—such as far as years of legal experience and the number of cases handled in trial—is important. That is why many defendants seek counsel from a former prosecutor.
A prosecutor determines what charges to file against a defendant and then tries the case in front of a judge and jury. The District Attorney oversees all attorneys that prosecute criminal cases.
Here are the benefits of hiring a former prosecutor as your criminal defense lawyer:
- Understands both sides of the court – The prosecutor must show evidence in order to convict the defendant, while the defense lawyer must provide the best possible defense to present a reasonable doubt to the jury in order to help the defendant. An attorney who has extensive knowledge of both sides of a criminal trial can anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case and help you develop a strong case strategy to counter.
- Trial-tested experience – It is important to understand that not all lawyers are created equal. There are some who have never step foot inside a courtroom and settle their cases without going to trial. A seasoned prosecutor has litigated a significant number of cases in court. If you believe your case will go to trial, having a former prosecutor on your side can be an advantage.
- Familiarity with local judges and their decisions – After trying many cases in the local courts, many former prosecutors turned criminal defense lawyers have developed close relationships with courtroom personnel, including judges. In addition, a former prosecutor may know how each judge will rule. Depending on the judge of your case, your lawyer can figure out whether to go to trial accept a plea deal.
For several years, Attorney Brad Bailey has served as an Assistant District Attorney and a federal prosecutor—even earning the official ranking of “Official Prosecutor.” He has secured not-guilty verdicts in many complex cases and the comprehensive understanding of both state and federal law to guide you through the intricacies of the criminal justice system.
For more information, contact Brad Bailey Law at (617) 500-0252 and schedule a free consultation today.