Duties of a criminal defense attorney
Lawyers play a fundamental role in the society that cannot be overstated. Human rights are primary to every individual in any jurisdiction, and therefore it is vital to have advocates in handy to assist in their enforcement and protection. The legal profession is very dynamic because it directly affects the lives of the people on a daily basis. Criminal law is premised on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and in this regard, it is important to procure the services of an attorney that will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the litigation process.
Defense attorneys in Springfield, MO play different roles in the litigation of a criminal case. Such attorneys represent
the accused persons in crimes that are considered to be against a state and not a particular individual. Felonies, robbery with violence and narcotic offenses are example of crimes that are prosecuted by the state against the accused person. Therefore, you need a good criminal defense attorney who will ensure that justice is not miscarried at the end of litigation.
An attorney has duties to the court, the client and the profession and these functions are elucidated as follows;
Duty to the legal profession
An advocate is considered to be a minister of justice, and this is the most important duty of a lawyer. The advocate in meant to ensure that at the end of the proceedings justice is upheld and the rights of his client are protected. Justice is supposed to be dispensed on the basis of substantive issues and not procedural technicalities. Therefore, a defense attorney must strive to illuminate the substantive merits of a case in advancing his arguments in court. The emphasis of procedural technicalities might result in the miscarriage of justice and a failure of an advocate in discharging his duties.
Duty to the court
In principal, a criminal defense attorney is an officer of the court and therefore he is bound by the rules of procedure that are inherent in litigation. An advocate is required to make decisions that are aimed at truth-seeking and establishment of justice.
Further, a lawyer as an officer of the court is required to abide by the confidentiality rules in the litigation of his client’s rights. Also, the advocate is required to refrain from actions that would result in dishonesty, misrepresentation, and fraud.
Duty to client
A defense attorney is required to represent his client zealously and judiciously in pursuit of justice. His actions are supposed to be meticulous and within the bounds of the law.…