Why You Need an Attorney Even after You’re Convicted
The three-week-long manhunt for two escaped convicts in Upstate New York came to a dramatic conclusion recently when sole survivor David Sweat was shot twice by a state trooper. While recovering from the gunshot wounds in the hospital, Sweat began spilling the details of the escape, including the involvement of prison personnel. It’s difficult to say that things are looking good for Sweat, who many experts say will spend 23 hours per day in solitary confinement when he returns to serving his life sentence in prison. Why, then, is he choosing to cooperate with the police and tell his story?
The fact is that any measure of cooperation Sweat displays can only work to his advantage and be a valuable bargaining chip to improve whatever quality of life he has left. No matter how bleak things look for the convicted killer, he still has something the authorities want – information. It will, however, take an experienced and qualified criminal defense lawyer to help maximize the value of this information. When you’re convicted of a crime, whether it’s burglary, theft, vandalism, assault, manslaughter or escaping from prison, you will obviously want the lightest possible sentence that the circumstances of the crime will allow.
Every day people rely on their attorneys to help them negotiate for lighter sentences in exchange for some display of contrition, remorse or information. Whether it’s reduced or suspended jail time, transfer of facilities, increased accommodations while incarcerated or early release , there is often some kind of carrot to go with the stick. So, at the end of the day, even after the verdict is read, a knowledgeable and qualified criminal defense attorney is an invaluable asset in the sentencing phase.
The legal team at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC is ready to put our years of criminal defense experience to work for you. We have an outstanding track record of helping clients who face serious criminal charges win their freedom, negotiate for lighter sentencing and minimize liability. Call us today for a free consultation.