admin If you think criminal lawyers are just meant to call the witness in the court and question him, you know nothing about them. It’s one of the many responsibilities that they do. What else they can do? This post will show how difficult it is to be a criminal lawyer.
Provide you with a reality check.
Toronto defense lawyer knows what is going on much better than you will during your criminal trial. Defense attorneys have the advantage of remaining objective throughout a proceeding and can offer insights into how the trial is actually going and what is likely to happen in the near future. These assessments and reality checks are often essential when a criminal defendant is trying to decide whether or not to accept a prosecutor’s plea bargain.
Plea Bargains
These deals, also known as “plea bargains” can often reduce your potential sentence or eliminate some or all of the charges brought against you. However, prosecutors are often unwilling to negotiate with defendants that represent themselves.
Figure out a good sentencing program
Your criminal defense lawyer Toronto may be able to work your sentence in a way that would prevent you from winding back up in the criminal justice system. For instance, instead of going to prison for 10 months, your criminal defense attorney may suggest that you go to prison only for 6 months and spend the remaining 4 months in a drug treatment facility to help you with the drug problem.
Navigate your case.
In addition to written rules, such as the local rules of court, that must be obeyed and followed, there are often many “unwritten rules” that go along with each jurisdiction. For example, if only certain prosecutors are able to make and approve plea bargains, Newmarket criminal lawyer may save your time by talking to the right person the first time.
Point out important things you don’t know.
Many rules and laws about criminal prosecutions are buried within regulations and laws, and even prior court opinions. For example, if you were to represent yourself, you may never know if the search that the police conducted was lawful or not, without understanding the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Explain about hidden costs involved with pleading guilty.
Many people that represent themselves never think about the consequences of pleading guilty if it could lead to a shorter sentence. For example, if you plead guilty, you may find it very hard to find a job once you have completed your punishment.
Gather evidence and statements
Many witnesses, understandably so, refuse to give statements or information to people that were allegedly involved in a crime, for fear of their own safety. However, these witnesses are often much more willing to talk to an attorney about their upcoming testimony.
Find and hire investigators.
These investigators can investigate not only the alleged crime but also the witnesses that the prosecution is going to call to the stand. If these investigators can find evidence that would make a witness’s testimony less believable, this could help your case tremendously.
