Do I Need A Criminal Defence Lawyer
Many different circumstances can result in the need for a criminal defence lawyer. If you are charged with a crime – the consequences can be serious and can have a lasting impact on your life and your family. Whether you end up hiring a lawyer or not will depend on your situation and the kinds of charges laid against you.
When do I need a lawyer?
There are a few different sets of circumstances when you’ll need the help of a lawyer. Here they are:
- If you’ve been arrested or charged with a criminal offence. In the case of arrest – police are legally required to give you a chance to speak to a lawyer.
- If you’ve been served with a lawsuit – you’ll need to contact a lawyer to find a strategy to defend yourself in the event that you plead not guilty.
- If you’re getting a divorce you’ll want the help of a qualified lawyer to ensure you’re getting the best outcome for you and your family.
When don’t I need a lawyer?
In some cases, the prosecution may drop charges, or if the issue is resolved by other means before going to trial – there may be situations where a lawyer is no longer needed. It’s always best to be on the safe side – getting help from a lawyer will always improve your chances of getting a fair and just outcome.
When should you represent yourself?
This is difficult to say – given every case is different and everyone’s knowledge of the legal system is too. Generally, it is advisable not to represent yourself, but here are some reasons why you might want to:
- If you’re a lawyer yourself and feel confident navigating the legal processes
- You understand the complexities of your case better than anyone else and have the skills to communicate that in court.
- You’re motivated to save money and get yourself out of trouble.
3 reasons why you shouldn’t represent yourself in court
There are many reasons why it’s a bad idea to represent yourself in court. Here are 3 big ones:
- You could incriminate yourself. Even if you’re innocent, a slip of the tongue and it’s all over. Everything you say and do in court is being judged – and there’s a fine line between passionately defending yourself and self-incrimination.
- You might crack under pressure. When things get heated, it’s hard to form coherent thoughts and arguments. Passionately defending yourself seems like the natural thing to do – but can often result in badly worded and poorly considered statements.
- You’ll be on your own. Whether it’s filling out complex forms, or navigating courtroom procedures, if you’re on your own this can be quite difficult. Having a lawyer present will not only take the pressure off you to perform – it saves you from making potentially critical mistakes.
Types of charges that need a lawyer
Generally, there are two main categories of offences that a lawyer will be needed. They are indictable and summary offences.
- Summary offences are usually minor – like a traffic infringement or disorderly conduct and will result in a notice to appear in court. There are caps on punishment with maximum jail sentences for crimes in this category.
- Indictable offences are more serious crimes such as murder, rape, and fraud. These carry larger penalties and also require a lawyer.
What to expect when hiring a lawyer
If you’re facing charges and you reach out to a lawyer there are a few things you can expect to happen. The first will be an initial consultation. This is where lawyers will hear your case and offer you initial strategies for going forward. You can either accept the plan or you can keep looking at different firms. Expect the lawyers to give you an estimation of your chances of success in trial. Payment arrangements will usually be sorted out and a plan of action will follow.
Where and how to find a lawyer
While any qualified lawyer will theoretically be able to represent you in a case, choosing the right one will be important not just for your chances in court – but also because it will cost less in the end – especially if the lawyers are experienced with your particular case. When looking for the right lawyer – it’s important to ask questions like “how long have you been practicing” and “have you got experience with this kind of case”. Judging by their answers – you will get a good idea of whether a particular firm is right for you.
Don’t leave it to chance – hire a qualified criminal lawyer
Whatever your charge, give yourself the best chance by hiring a lawyer that is experienced in your particular case. Criminal lawyers in Perth are here to help you get the job done.