Often people think that a criminal lawyer is needed for cases involving a murder or assault. However, there are several other offenses that a criminal lawyer can help you deal with like theft, shoplifting, driving under influence (DUI), etc. There are several stages of fighting a criminal case as well. You need to start by filing a report or anticipatory bail and move up to an appeal for squashing the case or appealing after a conviction. A good criminal lawyer can help you transcend each stage successfully.