Even if your familiarity with the legal system comes strictly from TV and movies, you have likely heard the term “district attorney.” A district attorney (who is often referred to as a “DA”) is a lawyer who is in the employ of the government. And if you should be charged with a crime, then it is quite possible that a district attorney will hold a great deal of sway regarding how your case will proceed.
But what powers and responsibilities do district attorneys possess? Well, one of the primary things a DA does is make decisions regarding if a case will go to trial. The decision is typically contingent upon the strength of the evidence the authorities have. A lack of solid evidence will like result in a case being dismissed.
Another important aspect of a district attorney’s job is to investigate cases. If a DA chooses to move forward with a case, he or she must thoroughly examine the evidence to make sure it satisfies the burden of proof required for a successful conviction.
If you are facing charges, you may decide to seek a plea bargain so as to receive a more reasonable sentence than that you would receive if you were found guilty in a court of law. And it is the district attorney who, after performing his or her investigation, will decide what plea bargain terms to offer.
So as you can see, the DA holds a great deal of power, but you can level the playing field by securing the services of your own legal counsel. An experienced Louisiana criminal law attorney will understand how to communicate with the DA in charge of your case. The attorney can also assess the evidence against you and can work toward getting you the best possible outcome.