What a Criminal Lawyer Can Do That Others Can’t?
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.
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
Figure
out a good sentencing program
Your criminal
defense lawyer Toronto at Hershberg Law Firm 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.
4.
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, Toronto criminal lawyer may save
your time by talking to the right person the first time.
5.
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.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
Find
and hire investigators
