Seeking legal assistance from a qualified Maryland criminal lawyer attorney is the first step when one is faced with a criminal charge. Most states allow a defendant the right to a speedy trial, but sometimes the client may need to give up this right to allow for sufficient time to prepare a solid defense on the case. The cost of a criminal defense lawyer will depend on the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is filed as well as the nature of charges and the extent of investigation that may be required on the part of the attorney. A lawyer may require a greater retainer for a highly complex case and this may also correspond to the severity of the charges filed.

In the event that the case goes to trial it may be heard by a judge in a bench trial or by a judge and panel of jury members referred to as a jury trial. Both the prosecutor as well as the defendant can demand a jury trial, but under some circumstances such as in very technical cases the defendant may seek only a bench trial. If a case is scheduled for a jury trial the jury selection may play a significant role in the outcome of the case. During this process the panel of jurors will be questioned by the judge as well as the attorneys to determine their qualifications match the requirements of the case. The defendant lawyer may also look at eliminating jurors who have an obvious bias against the accused or any prior knowledge that will prevent an impartial assessment of the parameters of the case. Both the prosecution and defense can challenge jurors for cause meaning that they fear the jurors may be prejudiced against a particular party.

During the start of any trial the case begins with the presumption that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. This means that the prosecutor on behalf of the state must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to win the case. The defendant’s lawyer may file plea bargains for lesser charges or negotiate guilty please in consultation with the defendant. During the course of the trial, an experienced criminal lawyer will seek to protect the best interest of the client at all times. This includes questioning the witnesses presented by the prosecutor as well as relying on expert opinion that will prove a client’s innocence.

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