Facing criminal charges following an arrest can be extremely intimidating, especially if it is the first offense. It can also be difficult to know how to choose a good defense attorney to represent you.
Believe it or not, a defense attorney with prior experience as a prosecutor may be the right choice for you. Here are some potential benefits a former prosecutor may provide.
1. Experience
A defense attorney needs experience with arguing legal motions, cross-examining witnesses and presenting evidence at criminal jury trials. A defense attorney who is a former prosecutor has experience in all these areas from prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases. As a result, he or she has the experience to handle your case more effectively.
2. Perspective
A defense attorney with experience as a prosecutor has unique insight. He or she knows the difficulties the prosecution faces in proving your case, which reveals its strengths and weaknesses. A former prosecutor turned defense attorney can also identify any mitigating factors present in your case that may cause a judge or jury to look at it more favorably.
3. Negotiation
Part of a defense attorney’s responsibility is often to try to negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf to lessen the punishment you face. A defense attorney who was once a prosecutor has the advantage of firsthand experience of how this works. This knowledge may help him or her negotiate more effectively on your behalf.
When a former prosecutor becomes a defense attorney, he or she brings all the knowledge, experience and skill gained in the former job and uses it to work in your favor.