When Should You Hire a Criminal Lawyer?

Navigating the criminal justice system by yourself can be complex, daunting, and exhausting. Whether you’re facing criminal charges, being investigated, or you are looking to understand your rights, hiring a criminal lawyer is a crucial part of ensuring you’re protected.

However, you may be hesitant to hire a criminal lawyer. Do you really need one? In this blog, we’ll go over the most common reasons you should hire a criminal lawyer and why you shouldn’t wait.

You’re Facing Criminal Charges

If you’re facing formal criminal charges, it is imperative that you hire a criminal lawyer right away. A good criminal lawyer will help you understand the charges you’re facing, what potential penalties there are, and the best course of action.

They’ll be able to advocate on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are respected throughout the entire process. They’ll also be able to negotiate plea bargains, which may mean reduced charges or sentences.

You’re Under Investigation

Are you worried that you’re under investigation for a crime? If you suspect so, you should consult a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Talking to a lawyer right away can help you avoid making statements that may be used against you later.

A good lawyer can guide you on how to navigate the investigation, advise you on your rights, and represent you if charges are filed.

You Want to Understand Your Rights

Even if you’re not currently facing charges, knowing your rights is very beneficial in a variety of situations. For example, during a police encounter or a property search. A criminal defence lawyer will educate you regarding your rights and what you should do if you end up in a precarious situation. Knowing this can empower you to make informed decisions and protect yourself.

You’re Appealing a Conviction

If you’ve been convicted of a crime and believe that some sort of legal error occurred during the trial, you can hire a criminal defence lawyer to appeal your case for you.

An experienced criminal lawyer can help identify grounds for an appeal, such as:

• Improper jury instructions

• Ineffective assistance of counsel

A criminal defence lawyer will be able to guide you through the appeals process.

You’re Dealing with Sentencing

If you are convicted and are facing sentencing, an experienced criminal lawyer can still advocate for you to get a fair sentence. They’ll present mitigating factors that may influence the judge’s decision, including your background, character, and any other circumstances around the offence.

A good, knowledgeable lawyer may be able to help you avoid the maximum penalties and even secure alternative sentencing options, including probation or rehabilitation programs.

You Want to Expunge a Criminal Record

Do you have a criminal record? A criminal lawyer can help get that record expunged.

A lawyer will guide you through all the necessary steps and requirements, helping prepare all the needed documentation to file for the expungement. This service can be very important for people looking for employment or housing, as a criminal record can have long-lasting consequences.

Call Paquette & Paquette When You Need a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Sudbury

Paquette & Paquette are dependable criminal defence lawyers in Sudbury. We believe in justice and focus on delivering quality representation during your trials, appeals, or disciplinary hearings. Please contact us today to speak to our team.