When Should You Consider Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
Every year, more than 120,000 people undergo criminal trials in courtrooms without a criminal lawyer. When charged with any crime, the consequences might be serious. Although it is not compulsory to be represented by a lawyer, it might be useful to hire one given the difficult of self-representation and the likely consequences of a criminal conviction. Therefore, it is good to often consult with a lawyer so that they can assess your case and advise accordingly. In many occasions, you will find attorneys specializing in a specific area that will be beneficial to you and your situation. But before entering into a relationship with a Sydney criminal lawyer, you opt to know more about what to face.
Who is a Criminal Lawyer?
A criminal lawyer is a professional intellect, with broad knowledge and experience in law. Although all practicing lawyers can represent you against any criminal charges, criminal lawyers specifically specialize in criminal statutes and have substantial experience in criminal matters. A criminal lawyer is likely more competent in handling criminal cases and well conversant with the penal legal system, and thus they can confidently handle your case.
When do you need a criminal lawyer?
These are some of the occasions where you would need a lawyer’s assistance.
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence
When you need to institute private charges against someone else. This means you will be taking the roles of the public prosecutor and seek external assistance to convince the court that someone has committed a criminal offence.
Some factors might guide you in deciding whether you need a criminal lawyer to defend you against criminal charges.
- What offence are you charged for?
The first important thing you need to consider is the reason you are being charged. This is critical because it helps to approximate the possible sentence you will receive in case you will be found guilty of the charge. Every offence has a unique sentence. The severe the crime and conviction, the more it will difficult to find legal assistance.
- The level your case is at
The second crucial thing to determine is the stage your case is at. There are several stages that every case pass through, and in every scene, there are several necessary legal steps to be executed. The higher the stage your case is, the more difficult the legal issue might be.
- How can a criminal lawyer help?
Assess the impact of the criminal lawyer in your case by evaluating the chances of succeeding in your case. A criminal lawyer can help you apply for the bail and can also write a formal prosecution letter pledging for reduction of charges, compounded or even dropped. Finally, a criminal lawyer can use his knowledge and experience to convince the court to act on your favour.
- The fees for hiring
During criminal trials, you might be going through tough financial challenges. Seeking a criminal lawyer whom you can afford can help you relieve your financial woes and reduce the stress. Legal fees charged by law firms vary quite widely. In most occasions, the variation may arise in terms of payment structure, or terms of the total amount charged.
