When should you hire
a criminal lawyer?

There are instances where things may seem out of your control, and you don’t know who to contact for help

The legal system can be complex and intimidating, especially when facing criminal charges. Many people find themselves overwhelmed by the potential consequences of their legal situation, unsure of how to proceed or where to turn for help, and understanding when to seek professional legal assistance is crucial. While some minor legal issues might be manageable on your own, certain crimes demand the expertise of a skilled criminal defence attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the best possible outcome.

Many people find themselves overwhelmed by the potential consequences of their legal situation.

There are instances where things may seem out of your control, and you don’t know who to contact for help. Perhaps you’ve been charged with a crime that would result in facing possible life-altering consequences such as a prison sentence. Navigating legal complexities is difficult on your own, and you may wonder when you need to hire legal help. This article discusses four serious crimes requiring you to hire a criminal lawyer. These include: 

Homicide (murder)

Being charged with homicide is one of the most serious legal matters that you can ever face. It is essential to understand that different criminal offences fall under the homicide category. Some of these categories include: 

• First-degree murder: This refers to a human being intentionally killing someone else and having planned to do so. In this case, the criminal plans the crime with a clear motive, such as seeking revenge. 

• Second-degree murder: In this type of crime, a human being intentionally kills someone else, but there is no prior planning of the crime. It usually happens in the heat of the moment, such as during an argument. 

• Vehicular homicide: This is a form of involuntary manslaughter wherein a person causes the death of someone else through the negligent operation of a vehicle. Instances include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) or violation of traffic laws. 

According to Canadian Law, the court can sentence anyone who commits a first or second-degree murder to lifetime imprisonment. If you’ve unfortunately been convicted of such a heinous crime, hiring a good criminal lawyer for your defence becomes essential. The lawyer can study your case to understand the circumstances under which you’ve been convicted and whether they can term this crime as a “justifiable homicide”, where the killing occurred in an attempt at self-defence. 

Sexual assault 

Being convicted of sexual assault can lead to dire consequences. Depending on your situation, you would have to serve a long prison sentence that usually ranges from one to 14 years. Apart from imprisonment, even if it is a wrongful conviction, you will be met with a lot of social stigma and would find difficulty in being accepted by society.

You will also have to undergo mandatory registration as a sex offender in this process. Hiring a criminal lawyer can help challenge the evidence and cross-examine witnesses while ensuring that your rights as a defendant are protected throughout the legal process. 

Drug trafficking 

You can be charged with a drug trafficking offence after being accused of being involved in the distribution or sale of illegal substances. The punishment can vary depending on the class of substances involved in your case. For example, in Canada, substances are classified into five schedules. If the court convicts you of drug trafficking with a substance in Schedule I or II, you are liable to be imprisoned for life.

In these cases, hiring a criminal lawyer can help counter evidence obtained through illegal searches and argue on your behalf for reduced charges, especially in cases of wrongful conviction or misunderstandings and negotiate plea deals.  

Domestic violence 

Being accused of domestic violence results in facing criminal charges and also having restraining orders issued that can make communication and the situation much more complicated. If you have children, you are also at risk of losing parental rights. You are subjected to severe consequences, even if they are false allegations or misunderstandings. 

For these reasons, hiring a criminal lawyer may be favourable as they can help negotiate the most favourable outcomes for your situation with the least consequences, especially if the case has developed due to misunderstandings. 

What should you consider before hiring a criminal lawyer?

Before hiring a lawyer, it is vital to research and reach out to firms that practice in areas directly relevant to your case. For example, if someone convicted you of DUI, you must look for firms that specialize in that area to receive the best legal advice for the matter at hand. It may be favourable to look for firms specializing in many case areas and the location within your area. For example, If you hail from Alberta, you can contact Liberty Law, as they have experts working in many different legal areas and can provide the most relevant advice on your case. 

Endnote

It is essential to understand that all criminal offences discussed in this article are extremely serious where it causes considerable harm to all individuals involved. Hiring a criminal lawyer should never be done when you’ve committed a crime and are looking to escape punishment. However, hiring a lawyer becomes essential if you’ve been wrongly convicted or are involved in a case due to misunderstandings.

It is integral to understand the circumstances under which you were convicted of a serious crime such as murder or sexual assault. These details can be best understood and analyzed by a professional criminal lawyer. For your best defence, you should contact firms that practice in the area relevant to your case and near you for a smooth legal experience.

Feature image: Wesley Tingey – Unsplash

Other recent articles