Tuesday, April 15, 2014

When Do I Really Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Things to Consider when Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Vancouver

The experience of finding yourself in police custody can be nerve-racking. Even if the risk of prosecution is very slight or non-existent, most ordinary people have a tendency to panic. This is because they have been snatched from their ordinary expectations of daily-life. Of course some people may spend their lives moving in and out of police customary. They become naturalized to it. But for the debutant, it often presents a serious threat to their identity.

What services can a defense lawyer provide?
  
One of the most important things a criminal defense lawyer provides is an anchor in a storm. They know the world, they know the system. They can take you through the process in a calm, considered manner, ensuring you say the right things and act in an appropriate manner.

Criminal Defence Lawyer Vancouver


Your defense lawyer can:
• Analyze your case and advise you on the best course to plea.
• Make a case for reduced bail.
• Negotiate with the Crown prosecutors to make a plea bargain.

Unless you know in advance that you’re going to be arrested, you’ll already be in custody before you think of hiring a defense lawyer. If you’ve been arrested that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be charged with anything. The police officials may have a reasonable suspicion of your guilt but most people who are arrested are not formally charged with anything.

Knowing what to ask…
 
Taking the step and hiring a criminal lawyer can be intimidating. Unless you’ve been referred by someone you trust you may find it difficult to judge their credentials. After all, most people’s knowledge of the law is perfunctory at best. That’s the very reason they’re a hiring a specialist.

Exercise your common sense:

• Does the attorney have the necessary certifications to practice criminal law in Vancouver?
• Find out how long they have been practicing. Have they specialized in criminal law throughout their career? Ideally you want someone who has focused exclusively on criminal law for about ten years.
• What is the attorney’s record with jury trials? How many have they had?

John Buchanan Lawyer
What is it going to Cost?

When it comes to costs you have to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages. How serious is your case? A more complex case will be more expensive. Felonies and misdemeanors for instance. A good criminal lawyer with many years experience will obviously be in a position to charge more than a new kid on the block. They will also have the better connections and the greater real-world knowledge.
 
John Buchanan Criminal Law has thirty years of experience defending clients in Vancouver. Call our 24 hour helpline for free first-time consultation.

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