Whether it is an assault or an OWI charge, choosing a legal representative to fight the allegations against you is one of the most important decisions you must make. You may be wondering what credentials you should look for, such as cases won and overall track record.
However, you should consider the advantages of hiring a lawyer who was a former prosecutor. A prosecutor represents the government and files criminal charges against a defendant and then proceeds to try the case in front of a judge or jury.
Having an attorney with prosecution experience on your side can be extremely helpful for several reasons, including—but not limited to—the following:
- Thorough knowledge and experience on both sides of the courtroom – A former prosecutor has tried cases on both sides of the courtroom, providing the attorney with an extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and trial process. He/she understands how the prosecution collects evidence, determines the charges to file and develop their case to go to trial, allowing the lawyer to have the ability to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Extensive trial experience – A seasoned prosecutor has spent a significant amount of days, months and years litigating cases in a court of law. The truth is, many lawyers practice law without ever going to trial, often settling cases outside of court. If your case reaches trial, a former prosecutor is better equipped to protect your rights.
- Familiar with the local court – Courts and judges each have a specific track record regarding certain types of cases. A former prosecutor will have a great understanding of local courts and the judges that preside over them. Additionally, they have the respect of their peers, which can result in more favorable outcomes.
At the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella, our founding attorney has spent several years as a prosecutor with the City of Milwaukee before dedicated the rest of his legal career as a criminal defense lawyer. He can better anticipate what defense will work best for the charges you face while protecting your rights and future throughout the criminal process.
For more information, contact us and schedule a free consultation today.