Most people find that getting arrested and charged with a criminal offense to be not only scary but confusing as well. This is especially true when it happens for the first time because nobody really knows what to do or what to expect moving forward.
One of the most important things to remember is that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides people with certain basic rights, which includes the right to hire a criminal lawyer. It also gives a person the right to remain silent and not answer any questions.
- Secure Pre-Trial Release
Perhaps the best thing a criminal defence attorney can do is get a pre-trial release with the fewest restrictive terms available. The procedure of obtaining Judicial Interim Release, typically referred to as bail, may be difficult, and attempting to get pre-trial release without the help of legal counsel may result in an adverse bail judgment. A good outcome provides a favourable start to criminal defence efforts and simplifies the planning process for the accused and their attorney.
- Prepare Defence Tactics Based on Charges
An experienced criminal lawyer can employ defence approaches customized to individual accusations. While defending against all sorts of criminal accusations is similar, the method taken by the defence may vary based on the alleged offense.
For instance, in assault cases, the question of self-defence may be raised, but in drug trials, contesting possession may become a problem. A skilled criminal defence lawyer will know which defence strategies are most effective in any given case.
Of course, a criminal lawyer’s first responsibility is to devise the most effective defence plan for clients. They will face large penalties or a jail term if the lawyer does not mount a compelling defence. A criminal lawyer will use their resources to learn more about the case and enlist the assistance of private detectives. They work hard to collect evidence that will assist prove their client’s innocence.
As a result, having legal representation increases the chances of winning significantly. Whatever the criminal charge or charges are, experienced lawyers meticulously evaluate all aspects of the case to plan successful defence strategies that can result in acquittals, charges being withdrawn, charges being lowered, fines being decreased, or charges being dismissed.
- Help Minimize Penalties
When it comes to a criminal charge, a prosecutor usually goes for the heaviest charges. This is especially harmful to those who have been falsely accused of some type of crime. For people who have been wrongly accused of a crime, it’s best to hire a criminal lawyer as they can best defend a person against the prosecution.
For those who are guilty of the crime they are accused of, a good criminal lawyer is there to ensure they are not unfairly sentenced.
- Helps the Process Go Smoothly
As mentioned above, getting arrested and charged with a crime is a scary and confusing thing. Hiring a good criminal lawyer ensures that the process goes as smoothly as possible. This works because the criminal lawyer knows all of the ins and outs of the criminal proceedings, including what happens in and out of the courts.
These lawyers also know all of the rules, regulations, and procedures that must be followed. They are responsible for preparing and managing all of a person’s legal documentation as it pertains to their case, which includes gathering witnesses and evidence to use in a person’s defence.
Something else that a good criminal lawyer does is speed up the court process. People without a lawyer often spend a lot of time trying to understand what the charges are and the consequences they are facing. An excellent criminal lawyer takes care of all of that for their client. They use their legal knowledge to quickly explain the charges and any consequences their clients face in a matter of minutes.
Criminal charges take time to resolve because of all the court dates, trials, delays, and more. The best criminal attorney uses their skills to work through the case as quickly as possible, which keeps costs down and lowers the risk of their client being wrongly convicted.
- Extensive Professional Network
One of the best things about hiring a criminal defence attorney is their professional network. The more experienced the attorney is, the better their network too. This network is useful in helping to prepare their defence for a variety of criminal cases. With criminal proceedings, everything is about perception, including how the judge or jury sees things being presented to them.
An experienced criminal defence attorney has access to various experts that are willing to testify on their clients’ behalf. These experts can range from psychologists to forensic scientists, but they are a key part of a good criminal defence. Plus, the criminal attorney can access these experts without overpaying.
