Defense lawyers are known to fulfill several crucial roles during the course of a legal proceeding. They are basically responsible for depending on the person why has been charged with a crime. Defense attorneys like David Serna mention that their key responsibility largely involves being an advocate for the accused, while doing everything within the law so as to clear the defendant of charges. Mr. Serna is an experienced New Mexico based attorney. He largely caters to the people of Albuquerque.
Defense lawyers can work on both criminal and white collate cases. While some of these lawyers are privately retained, others tend to be employed by diverse jurisdictions to represent indigent persons. David Serna Attorney mentions that the role of defense lawyers essentially is indispensable in the judicial system. That is a plethora of important duties and tasks that these individuals have to perform. The duties of such professionals include:
- Assessing the case: According to the Albuquerque based lawyer David Serna, the role of a defense attorney begins much before a case is bought to the courtroom for the trial. These individuals are required to have a good understanding of every detail of the case of their clients. They may also have to interview witnesses and potential witnesses of the case, so as to determine the chances of acquittal or conviction of their clients.
- Handling Pleas: In many cases, the prosecutors tend to contact the defense attorneys quite early on in a case, so as to make an offer for a plea bargain. This usually involves the defendant pleading guilty, but to a comparatively lesser crime than they had originally been charged with. In these scenarios, it becomes the responsibility of the defense lawyers to see to it if accepting the plea deal would be in the best interest of their clients, on the basis of previously done research, evidence and witness accounts. They may also negotiate with the prosecutor to try and get a better deal.
- Trying the case: While the defense attorneys can advise their clients, it ultimately would be the decision of the accused to go to trial or accept the plea deal. If the case goes to trial, various complexities arise for the defense lawyers. David Serna Attorney mentions that at first, these lawyers have to see to it whether a single judge or a jury would hear the case. If there is a jury involved then the defense lawyers would have to carefully assess how each of the prospective jurors would feel about their clients and the charges faced by them. The defense attorneys typically have to focus on creating a panel that is sympathetic towards their clients through a systematic process of questioning, and ultimately approving or rejecting the relevant jurors
Defense lawyers are the ones responsible for drafting, filing, and also arguing motions on the behalf. Their focus largely involves advocating for the defendant at the trial.