If you’re ever accused of a crime, it’s important to understand that the legal process is complex and can be overwhelming. This is why it’s best to have a criminal lawyer on your side. Here are twelve times you may need one.
- Arrest for a Crime
As mentioned earlier, when you are arrested for a crime, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer in your corner who can help guide you through the process. A criminal lawyer will prepare and present your defence case in court, making sure that all of your rights are protected throughout the trial.
- Bail Hearing
After being arrested, you may be granted a bail hearing if the judge decides that you do not pose an immediate threat to society or yourself. Your lawyer will explain the terms of your bail and any restrictions associated with it while also making sure that your rights are upheld during this process.
- Probation Violations
If you violate any of the conditions of probation set by the court, then you could face serious consequences such as jail time or additional fines. A lawyer in the criminal field can help mitigate these penalties by arguing on your behalf and working out an agreement with the court or prosecutor if necessary.
- Plea Bargains
In some cases, it may be beneficial to enter a plea bargain with the prosecution where they agree to reduce charges in exchange for pleading guilty to certain lesser offenses instead of facing more serious charges in court. Your lawyer can advise you on whether this is a wise decision and help negotiate favourable terms for both parties involved if needed.
- Search Warrants
If law enforcement obtains a search warrant for your home or property, then it’s important to have experienced legal counsel present during this time. They can ensure that all searches conducted are lawful and don’t contravene any provincial or federal laws or regulations.
- Drug Charges
Individuals who are facing drug charges need experienced legal representation because these types of cases often involve complex issues such as evidence suppression motions or challenges against unlawful searches or seizures by police officers during their investigation into drug-related activity at homes or businesses owned by those charged with drug crimes.
- DUI/DWI Charges
If you ever get charged with a DUI or DWI, these charges require competent legal representation to minimize potential penalties such as fines, license suspensions, jail time, or even revocation of driving privileges altogether depending on the severity of each individual case and its circumstances.
- Felony Cases
Felony cases are considered more serious than misdemeanours because they carry greater penalties such as extended periods of incarceration; therefore, having an attorney who specializes in criminal defence is essential when facing felony charges in order to protect against unfair sentences due to lack of knowledge regarding potential defences available under law.
- Jury Trials
If you find yourself facing possible conviction at trial, then having legal counsel represent you throughout every step of this process is essential since jury trials come with their own unique sets of rules regarding evidence admissibility, jury selection, and closing arguments, which must be followed precisely for justice to be served.
- Appeals
In some cases, individuals may wish to appeal convictions handed down from lower courts; however, this requires specialized knowledge about appellate procedures. So having experienced legal counsel familiar with appeals proceedings is recommended when filing appeals against convictions handed down from lower courts.
- Before Speaking With the Police
Before speaking with police, it is important to hire an attorney who can advise you on how much information you should share during questioning and protect your rights while doing so. Even if police believe they have enough evidence to convict you, they still must follow certain procedures while interrogating suspects, and having an experienced lawyer present can ensure that these procedures are followed properly throughout the process.
- If You Are Facing Immigration Issues
Depending on the type of offense(s) committed and/or their severity level, anyone facing immigration issues (such as deportation proceedings) should consult with both immigration lawyers and criminal defence attorneys in order to determine how best to prepare themselves for any potential outcomes related thereto.
