Crime happens in many ways and innocent people often get accused of crimes they didn't commit. Some criminals also get away with their crimes because they go unreported. For example, according to RAINN.org, less than a third of all sexual assaults are reported to local police. Whether innocent or guilty, if you are accused of a crime, you need the help of an experienced attorney. Here are three ways that criminal defense attorneys help their clients.

1. Help Keep Clients Out of Jail After Arraignment Hearings

One of the most important ways criminal defense attorneys help their clients is by enabling them to post a bond to stay out of jail while awaiting trial. An arraignment hearing details the charges against the accused and enables them to enter pleas of not guilty or guilty. If you are charged with one or more crimes, your attorney could show why you aren't a flight risk and will attend all court dates when they are scheduled until the matter ends. It's easier to defend against criminal charges when you are out of jail.

2. Uphold the Rights of the Accused Throughout Trials

Whether innocent or guilty, all people have rights that their attorneys can help uphold. An attorney can ensure you were read your rights and you clearly understood them. Your attorney can also ensure your right to a speedy trial is upheld and help you build a strong legal defense whenever possible. If your rights are violated in any way, your attorney can challenge the entire proceeding and possibly get your case dropped if the police or prosecutors violate your civil rights. If the case against you is strong, your attorney also might help arrange a plea agreement that reduces your charges, jail time, or fines.

3. Get Unlawful Evidence or Charges Removed

Police and prosecutors must follow certain procedures while building and prosecuting cases. Those procedures include sharing all evidence against you if you are charged with a crime and revealing any evidence that might show you are innocent. Police and prosecutors also must ensure any evidence collected was done legally and without violating your civil rights. When there are problems with how the police or prosecutor gathered, shared, or presented evidence, your attorney might get the relevant evidence thrown out of court.

If you are accused of a crime, you can call our law firm to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys to review your case and help uphold your rights. Get in touch with us at Montgomery Law Office today!