When should you hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer? There are several instances when doing so is in your best interest. They can, after all, present your case in court and help clear your name. Furthermore, they can help have charges dropped while ensuring you receive a fair trial and sentence.
In this post, we outline important situations when hiring the services of a criminal defence lawyer in Brampton is not only the right decision but the only one.
The Best Time to Hire a Criminal Defence Lawyer
There are several instances when it’s imperative for the accused to hire a criminal defence lawyer.
1. When You Are Anticipating a Police Interrogation
If law enforcement thinks you may have had a part to play in a particular crime, they will ask to interview you. In such instances, you should contact a lawyer. Keep in mind that just because they haven’t arrested you doesn’t mean they won’t later.
By hiring a reputable and experienced lawyer, you can be sure that your rights will be protected during the interrogation. Remember, something you might say during this conversation could implicate you without you realizing it. Although many people think only guilty people hire lawyers, in truth, innocent individuals who foolishly refuse to do so have to endure the consequences. It’s your right to have a lawyer present when you talk to the police.
2. When You Are Facing Criminal Charges
While it may seem obvious to hire an experienced lawyer when you face criminal charges, some people may think this step unnecessary.
For instance, if you are charged with a DUI in Ontario after failing a breathalyzer test, you may feel that contesting the charge is pointless. But breathalyzer tests have been known to produce false positives, and for them to be used as evidence, law enforcement needs to follow a set of protocols. Generally, a single breathalyzer test is insufficient so a second one should ideally be administered. If this is not done, authorities might not be able to build a case against you.
Even if you have been found guilty of a DUI, you don’t necessarily have to face strict penalties. An experienced criminal defence lawyer may be able to make a strong argument that the offence wasn’t severe enough to merit jail time. However, the decision to fight any criminal charge should only be made after consulting a lawyer.
3. When You Are Facing a Criminal Trial
No matter what criminal charge you face, if you decide to defend yourself, it’s imperative that you’re aware of the fundamentals of the criminal trial process and the laws involved. However, unless you are a lawyer yourself, you will not be aware of all your province’s laws and cannot defend yourself properly. This is when it’s beneficial to seek out an experienced criminal defence lawyer. They have expertise in the criminal justice system and can use their knowledge and skills to protect you when you’re being tried in court.
4. While Awaiting a Bail Hearing
Bail hearings are an integral part of the Canadian judicial system. They are designed to make sure that those charged with a crime don’t pose any threat to society if released from custody while awaiting trial.
These hearings are vital for two primary reasons:
- To reduce the stress on the prison system
- To uphold the principle that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. As much as is reasonable, these individuals are allowed to live a normal life until their trial.
There are numerous factors a judge takes into consideration when deciding on bail. These include probationary measures and cash bail which is suitable for people being charged with non-violent offences. Having your criminal defence lawyer present at your bail hearing will protect your rights. Moreover, they will be able to take a more convincing approach towards the bail than you could on your own.
5. When Offered a Plea Deal
One of the best reasons to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer is when you are deciding if your case should go to trial. They can advise you whether it’s in your best interest to fight for your rights or simply accept the plea deal being offered.
If you are offered a plea deal, it’s vital that you get in touch with a lawyer to figure out if it’s fair for the crimes with which you are being charged. They can advise you on either accepting the deal or negotiating better terms. After all, to ensure you are receiving a fair deal, you don’t want to blindly accept the terms being offered without first weighing your options.
When it comes to protecting your civil rights, your lawyer is your first line of defence. So, if you have been charged with any crime, get in touch with an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can start building your case. Furthermore, in some instances they can assist in having charges dropped and in others they can help ensure that you receive a fair trial and sentence if you’re found guilty.