Is it Worth it to Hire a Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Considering Hiring a Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, the potential cost of hiring a defense attorney can be extremely stressful. Having someone you trust and who will fight for you can help ease that anxiety.

A criminal attorney who is experienced will help you understand what you’re up against and what to expect at each stage of a criminal proceeding. They will understand what facts are important and can identify weaknesses in the accusations against you. After practicing criminal defense for nearly twenty-five years in Massachusetts, Patrick J. Murphy knows the system and its players well.

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

You may be wondering “at what stage in my case, should I hire someone to represent me?” The sooner you can speak to an attorney, the better. While it may not seem feasible or cost-effective to hire a lawyer early, it can actually save you money in the long run. No two cases are the same but hiring an attorney off the bat can get your case dismissed early or can prevent formal charges from being filed. Every single stage of a criminal proceeding is an opportunity to defend yourself.

When you assert your constitutional right to an attorney, you protect yourself against police interrogation and manipulation. You cannot be forced to speak with the police about pending or filed criminal charges against you.

When You Cannot Afford to Lose

Receiving a criminal conviction isn’t just a strike against your record – it can make simple, everyday things feel more complicated. There are penalties that most people don’t consider when deciding whether to hire an attorney.

Criminal convictions are often accompanied by detrimental social stigma. They can prevent you from enjoy simple things, from attending school field trips with your children to certain types of work. A criminal record can make it more difficult to find a job or stable and affordable housing. Certain offenses can lead to a revocation of your driving license, making it impossible for some to get to and from work. These consequences are often costlier and more devastating the actual the criminal punishment itself.

One tangible example of this is increased car insurance payments. Earlier this year, Quote Wizard conducted a cost-benefit analysis of hiring a defense attorney when charged with DUI (also known as OUI and DWI). The study found that DUI lawyers were three times more likely to get a DUI charge reduced. When considering (1) court fees and fines, (2) insurance increases, and (3) lawyer fees, people who hired a DUI attorney saved $1,400 over a three to five-year period versus people without a DUI attorney. The study also found that getting a DUI charged dropped resulted in a savings of $3,400 in insurance costs alone.

Give us a Call to Discuss your Case

It doesn’t cost anything to speak with a professional and experienced criminal defense lawyer. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy provides free and confidential consultations to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Commonwealth’s case against you.

Facing criminal accusations can be emotional and anxiety-inducing. Hiring someone to defend you should lessen, not add to, your stress. The decision of whether or not to hire an attorney is ultimately your own, but you have nothing to lose by getting a free consultation and making a fully-informed decision. Attorney Murphy offers reasonable rates – you can reach his office at (617) 367-0450 any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or use our online form to set up an appointment.