There are times in life when we all need that helping hand. When it comes to a criminal defense attorney, that hand can mean the difference in being handed down a sentence of innocence or guilt -- the difference between getting that deserved settlement and settling for an offer on the table that is less than it should be. A criminal defense attorney is there when times get tough to guide you through the legal process.

According to our judicial system, everyone is innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The job of a criminal defense attorney is to keep their clients from being proven the latter. If you are put in such a situation, a local attorney is typically your best choice. A Portland criminal defense attorney, for example, is expected to have an understanding of Portland's laws better than an attorney from Miami.

But a good Portland criminal defense attorney needs to know more than just the education side of Portland law. They need to know and understand the inside of a courtroom, trial law and it always helps to believe in their client's innocence.

A Portland criminal defense attorney will most often cover homicide, robbery, kidnapping, assaults, sexual offense, drug offense, domestic violence, traffic crime, DUI and vehicular manslaughter. While no one wants to ever be placed in the situation where they are defending their very freedom, the experience, dedication to service, and commitment to the law are all there with a criminal defense attorney.

When choosing the right attorney for your legal needs, ensure the coverage you are receiving is a complete coverage. Your lawyer should cover contacts with the police and prosecutors, the details of the arrest, posting bails, all criminal charges and possible acquittal of charges, the entire trial process and the sentencing phase.

It is important to call an attorney at the first available moment after you have been arrested. There is a time lapse between when the arrest occurs and when the formal charges are placed. If the attorney works fast, those charges may never be recorded and you will be free to go. But that requires quick thinking, a great knowledge of the judicial system and a top attorney.

While no one wants to find themselves in the need of a criminal attorney, should that time come the best attorneys will follow you through the entire judicial process. Criminal representation is about more than just showing up in a court room and pleading guilty or not guilty. The attorney needs to have a clear knowledge of the case, a strong sense of attachment to the community, and that attorney needs to be on the side of the defendant.