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Being charged with a crime is a serious matter, and the consequences of a criminal conviction can be life-altering. You may lose your job, your driver’s license, and your right to vote. You may also be subject to deportation if you are not a Canadian citizen.
When you have been charged with a crime, you will need the services of a Calgary defence lawyer, or a criminal defence lawyer wherever you are located, to ensure that your rights are protected. An experienced criminal defence attorney will review the facts of your case and develop a defence strategy. Keep reading to learn more about the services that these lawyers can provide.
Explain Your Charges and Rights
A criminal defence lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, the possible penalties, and your rights. Depending on the crime, you could face a range of penalties, including jail time, a fine, or both. It is important to have an experienced criminal defence lawyer to help you understand your options and protect your rights. Some of the rights that a criminal defence lawyer can help you understand include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, the right to a fair trial, and the right to due process. A criminal defence lawyer can also help you understand the possible consequences of a criminal conviction.
Provide Counsel
A criminal defence lawyer can provide counsel when preparing your defence strategy. There are a number of factors that a criminal defence lawyer will take into account when creating a defence for their client, including the severity of the charge, the evidence against the client, and the client’s criminal history.
If you are facing a serious charge, such as murder, your criminal defence lawyer may need to take a different approach than if you are facing a less serious charge. For example, if you are facing a murder charge, your lawyer may need to focus on trying to get the charges reduced to manslaughter.
If you have a criminal record, this will also be taken into account when creating your defence strategy. A criminal defence lawyer may be able to argue that you should receive a lesser sentence because you have already been punished for your crimes.
Represent You in Court
Criminal defence lawyers are experts in criminal law, and they will be able to guide you through the criminal justice system and represent you in court. These lawyers know the law inside out and will be able to mount a strong defence on your behalf. They will challenge the prosecution’s case and will do everything in their power to get you the best possible outcome.
Negotiate a Plea Deal
If you are accused of a criminal offence, you will need a criminal defence lawyer to negotiate a plea on your behalf. This is because the Crown Attorney will likely offer you a plea bargain, which is an agreement to plead guilty to a lesser offence in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Your criminal defence lawyer will review the evidence against you and determine whether there is a strong chance of winning at trial. If there is a strong chance of winning, your lawyer may choose to negotiate a plea bargain that is favourable to you. This may involve pleading guilty to a lesser offence or agreeing to a reduced sentence. However, if the evidence against you is strong, your lawyer may advise you to plead not guilty and take the case to trial. This is a risky move, but it may be the best option if you believe you can win.
If you are found guilty at trial, your lawyer will work to get the best possible sentence for you. This may involve negotiating a plea agreement with the Crown Attorney or trying to get a reduced sentence from the judge.
In summary, criminal defence lawyers are important to the justice system and to the people who rely on them for help. If you have been charged with a crime, do not try to navigate the legal proceedings on your own. Contact a defence lawyer immediately for the best chance of winning your case.
