When criminal charges have been made against you, and you’re innocent, you may wonder if it’s really necessary to hire a criminal defence lawyer. Well, regardless of whether you know you’re innocent, you should never gamble with your freedom because without the right defence lawyer, things could easily make a turn for the worst. Here are some situations in which you should hire a criminal defence lawyer immediately.
When You Should Get a Criminal Defence Lawyer
A common mistake people make when criminal charges are brought against them is not hiring a defence attorney the moment they’re made aware of them. The earlier you hire a good lawyer, the more time they have to prepare your defence.
1. When you’re charged with a crime
Hire a defence attorney when you’ve been charged with a crime or arrested. A criminal lawyer will attend any interrogations with the police. They will advise you on what questions you should and shouldn’t answer to ensure your rights are protected in the processs.
2. When you face felony charges
According to reports, on average, 57% of convicted felons spend a minimum of 10 years in prison. This means that if you are convicted of a felony, you stand the chance of doing jail time. Remember, a criminal defence attorney’s job is to ensure you are justly treated in accordance with the law and the crime you committed. With this in mind, hiring a defence attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and, if needed, that you are awarded a lighter sentence than what the prosecution is asking for.
3. When you need legal guidance in general
Understanding the legal jargon can be incredibly confusing and intimidating to the average person who has not studied law. The safest and smartest thing to do if you’ve been charged with an offence and don’t understand its implications and consequences is to contact a criminal defence lawyer. Not only will they help bring clarity to your situation, but they’ll also help you navigate it in order to come out the other end with a favourable result.
4. When your case is complicated
Every criminal case is unique, and there are different circumstances and variables to consider. A lot of the time, situations can be complicated, for example, if the police don’t read you your Miranda rights or violate a search and seizure without cause, etc. If police illegally obtain evidence and arrest you based on that evidence, it’s inadmissible, meaning that it can’t be used in court. If you’re facing a situation similar to this, hiring a criminal defence lawyer is the wisest solution to deal with it.
5. When there are other consequences looming
When you have a criminal case against you, the unfortunate reality is that it could also lead to other legal issues. For example, suppose you’re in a custody battle. In that case, a criminal record can tarnish your reputation and devastate the possibility of you winning your case. Having a seasoned criminal defence lawyer won’t only defend you, but they can also strategise in a way that is mindful of other potential consequences of your charges to avoid them piling up.
How do you find a reputable criminal defence lawyer?
When you’re looking for good criminal defence lawyers, Donnelly Law Group is one of the best in Queensland. They have been providing their legal services to individuals for over 30 years and have a strong reputation amongst the public. So, when you’re in need of a strong criminal defence attorney to fight your battle, don’t hesitate to give them a call.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible gives them the time needed to prepare your defence effectively. Regardless of whether or not you’re guilty, having a good criminal lawyer defend you is the best chance of reducing the charges and possibly avoiding jail time.