Five Reasons You Want a Former Prosecuting Attorney as Your Criminal Defense Attorney

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It seems contradictory, doesn't it? Prosecutors and defense lawyers are different animals. Prosecutors send people to prison. Defense lawyers try to keep you out. Why would you hire a former prosecutor to defend you? The benefits of working with a former prosecuting attorney are numerous, so we’ll cover the five most important reasons below. 

1. Prosecutors Try Many Cases
Less than 10% of all cases actually go to trial. Most prosecutors, however, handle an enormous case-load. This means they go to trial more often than other types of attorneys.

Courtroom experience is vital to a criminal defense attorney. If your lawyer doesn't have it, the prosecutor might take advantage and be more successful at leveling tougher sentences. A criminal defense attorney with prosecution experience can identify problems with evidence and procedural rules. This can help when it comes to getting your case flat-out dismissed.
 
2. A Former Prosecutor Knows How Prosecutors Think
Criminal trials are a complicated business. They demand knowledge of the law, the ability to understand forensic evidence, strong speaking skills, and a host of other difficult to master skills.

Questioning a witness on the stand is like playing 20 concurrent games of speed chess while while trying to emotionally connect with the jury. It's not easy.

An experienced prosecutor has seen many lawyers defend clients in court. They know the exact persuasion techniques that prosecutors use to win over juries because they've done it themselves.

A former prosecutor who now defends criminal cases has seen both sides. This dual experience will help them anticipate legal moves before prosecutors make them.

3. A Former Prosecutor Likely Has Well-Established Relationships With Prosecutors
Certainly, any experienced criminal lawyer will have professional relationships with local prosecutors. Many cases never go to trial and instead the opposing sides strike a plea bargain. Defense lawyers must be able to work with prosecutors to do their job.

Yet, if counsel don't trust one another, it can stand in the way of making a beneficial deal.

A former prosecutor has frequently worked with the the attorneys on the other table. Co-workers often develop trust in one another that will carry over after a prosecutor switches to the defense side. Even if a former prosecutor hasn't worked with any of the opposing counsel, their reputation could help break the ice.

4. A Former Prosecutor Has Worked With Police
Every time a prosecutor handles a criminal case, they will coordinate with police officers. After years of working together, police will often reveal many details of how they do their job that they don't tell defense lawyers.

This knowledge can help your criminal defense attorney prepare your case. Also, former prosecutors might have earned the trust of many police officers. These relationships can make it faster and easier for your lawyer to prepare your defense.

While the law demands that prosecutors reveal all relevant information, it doesn't always happen. Knowing how police bureaucracies work can help your lawyer cut through red tape.

5. A Former Prosecutor Knows The Local Courts
Judges preside over the local courts. But, no two judges think exactly alike. Many times their rulings can vary quite a bit. Knowing how each individual judge thinks and what arguments have succeeded with them in the past is a big edge for a defense lawyer.

The judge isn't the only important person in the courtroom. From bailiffs, court reporters, clerks, and other personnel, a former prosecutor will know how the local courts function. This knowledge can help get things done.

Also, knowing the mechanics of how a particular court works will help your criminal defense attorney focus on your case.

Get Help from a Former Prosecuting Attorney
If you face a criminal charge, it makes sense to work with an attorney who is an expert of both sides of the law. Marc Hart brings over 36 years of criminal courtroom experience to the defense of clients in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb county, and courts throughout Michigan. Contact Marc Hart Law for a FREE case consultation today.