Criminal Law Basics: The Laws and Sources for many people, knowledge of criminal justice comes only in bits — from books, movies, and television. But once become involved in the criminal justice system, the need for knowledge and support can quickly arise and be quickly felt.
When you are facing a criminal charge, it is often a good idea to seek out advice from a criminal defense attorney who is experienced with these types of cases. He or she can explain the laws that are involved and what your rights are. He or she will also explain what to expect from your court date and what you can expect after that.
However, the first step in making an appointment with a criminal defense attorney is to find out where to get legal advice. Many people make mistakes in this area and end up wasting time, money, and effort. This is why it is important to make sure that you understand the basics about criminal defense before you call. There are a number of resources to start with.
First, you should look online to see if there is a local law school that specializes in this area. There may be an associate’s degree program, a master’s degree program, or even a Ph.D. program that will get you started in this very unique area of the law.
You can also find information on law schools that offer programs on criminal defense at your local state bar association website. You may be able to find a criminal law class, or an introductory course that will help you become familiar with the topic.
You should also check with your local state bar association website or 
your local city and county government offices to see if they have a criminal defense lawyer on staff. These organizations are generally well-versed with the law and can point you in the right direction when it comes to getting the services that you need.
It is also a good idea to try to contact a local criminal defense lawyer that has handled cases similar to yours. Although this does not always guarantee that he or she will give you good advice, it is worth taking a chance and seeing what they say.
If you are unable to find one in your area, you may want to contact an attorney who works closely with the prosecuting attorney. In fact, these types of professionals often work together with the prosecuting attorney so that they can work together in the interest of the defendant and the defense.