A criminal defence lawyer is an important part of the criminal justice system. They work to protect the rights of the accused and ensure a fair trial. Keep reading to learn more about the role of a Calgary criminal defence lawyer or in other areas.
What is criminal law?
Criminal law is a system of law that deals with crime and punishment. It is the branch of law that deals with the definition, detection, prevention, and punishment of crimes. Criminal law is based on the principle of presumption of innocence, which holds that a person is innocent until proven guilty. This means that the prosecution must prove that the person committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Criminal law is composed of two types of law: substantive law and procedural law. Substantive law defines crimes and sets out the punishment for those crimes. Procedural law governs the procedure that must be followed in criminal cases. Criminal law is enforced by the government, and the government may prosecute persons who have committed crimes in either a criminal court or a military court.
What is the role of a criminal defence lawyer?
A criminal defence lawyer is a legal professional who represents defendants in criminal proceedings. Their role is to provide their clients with a fair trial and to protect their rights, regardless of whether they are guilty or innocent. Criminal defence lawyers can be employed by the government or by private firms and may specialize in certain areas of law such as homicide, drug offences, or white-collar crime. They typically have experience in court and are familiar with the criminal justice system.
Criminal defence lawyers must always act in the best interests of their clients. For example, if the lawyer believes that the evidence against their client is overwhelming, they may advise them to plead guilty even if they are not actually guilty in order to receive a reduced sentence. Conversely, if the lawyer believes that their client is innocent, they will do everything possible to prove this in court. In some cases, this may involve hiring expert witnesses or conducting extensive research into the case.
A good criminal defence lawyer will also be able to negotiate a favourable plea bargain for their client if necessary. This involves negotiating with prosecutors in order to agree on a lesser charge that carries a lighter sentence than what would normally be given for that offence.
Do you need a criminal lawyer?
You may be wondering if you need a criminal lawyer. The answer to that question may depend on the severity of the charge and your criminal history. If you have been charged with a felony, it is generally advisable to have an experienced criminal lawyer represent you in court. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you may be able to represent yourself, but it is generally a good idea to have an attorney.
If you are under investigation for a crime, you should speak to a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and can advise you on how to best deal with the situation. If you are convicted of a crime, your attorney can help you negotiate a plea bargain or try to get your sentence reduced. If you are acquitted, your lawyer can help you file a defamation suit against the person who accused you of the crime.
If you are considering hiring a criminal lawyer in Calgary or wherever you are located, you should contact several attorneys and ask them about their experience and fees. You should also ask the attorneys for references from past clients. It is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in criminal law and who is willing to take the time to listen to your case and answer your questions.