Criminal charges come with high stakes. Your freedom, reputation, and future may all be on the line. To navigate the legal system, you must hire a criminal lawyer. But what should you expect when working with a criminal lawyer? Usually, a criminal lawyer conducts an initial consultation before working with them. Ask questions about the case and listen to your side of the story at the meeting. They may also ask for any evidence or documents that support your defense. Additionally, you can ask your attorney questions about their experience, qualifications, and strategy. You should feel comfortable asking anything that concerns you and make sure that all of your doubts are cleared during this consultation.
Investigation
Once hired, a criminal lawyer will start investigating the case against you by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses or victims if applicable, and reviewing police reports or other documentation related to the case. They analyze the case from all angles and look for any weaknesses. Based on their investigation findings, they will devise a legal strategy tailored specifically for your case which might include plea bargain negotiations or going to trial depending upon how strong they consider their position is after reviewing each detail of evidence presented by the prosecution party. Your attorney may also recommend hiring expert witnesses like forensic specialists or medical professionals who can testify on your behalf if needed.
Throughout the quality legal services in mississauga process leading up to a trial day (if there is one), communication between you and your attorney should be frequent and open so that both parties stay informed about what’s happening as new information comes up during their investigation into facts surrounding charges levied upon the accused persons. Your attorney should keep updating you about progress made in negotiating plea deals with prosecutors. You should feel that your criminal lawyer is approachable and willing to answer any queries that you have.
Trial preparation
Prepare your case for trial by reviewing all evidence, and interviewing witnesses and victims. Preparing opening and closing statements, and cross-examining witnesses for the prosecution. They’ll also strategize how to present a strong defense on your behalf while ensuring that all legal procedures are followed during the trial process. The lawyer will cross-examine prosecution witnesses and present arguments on your behalf in court. Your lawyer will also present opening and closing statements before the judge or jury decides upon a verdict.
After the verdict has been decided by a judge or jury (if applicable), sentencing takes place with lawyers from both sides making their respective arguments about what sentence would be appropriate based upon facts presented throughout the proceedings so far. In some instances, plea deals were negotiated beforehand between the defendants’ counsel and the prosecutors’ team. There might be no need for a full-blown trial since the accused person(s) might plead guilty under terms agreed upon by the prosecutor’s party. These terms could involve reduced charges or jail time than prosecutors initially proposed. In such scenarios where the negotiated agreement is approved, the sentencing phase would start immediately based on mutually agreed-upon terms between the two parties involved. Rather than waiting for a verdict or decision from the judge panel members assigned to hear this specific case involving the accused persons.
