We explain why you might need a criminal lawyer
Entering the criminal justice system can be overwhelming. You need to make sure your rights are protected with a criminal defence lawyer by your side. Below are our top 5 reasons as to why you need a criminal lawyer, if you are charged with a criminal offence.
1. Help you navigate the court process.
Attending court is daunting. A criminal lawyer will be able to discuss your charge with you, and take you through the process that you are required to, so life can continue as usual. Different offences in Queensland are required to go through different processes and stages in order to be finalised. Some offences can stay in the lower level court (the Magistrates Court) and other charges are required to be committed to either the District or Supreme Court. Some charges stay with police prosecutions, and others are given to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Some offences undergo a lengthy process of various applications and hearings, whereas other offences can be finalised on their first court date. Your criminal lawyer will be able to explain the processes, apply them to your specific situation, and then help you work through it, all whilst defending your rights.
2. Ensure you are achieving your best possible outcome.
If pleading guilty, a criminal lawyer can make sure you are as prepared as possible, including assisting you with sentence preparation. Your lawyer will talk to you about the steps they require you to take before your sentence date, so that the Judge or Magistrate has a complete understanding of your full circumstances. This could be character references, letters and reports from counsellors, or various other tasks. This will ensure you are achieving your best possible outcome.
If you are going to trial and pleading not guilty, a criminal defence lawyer will make sure you are prepared for trial. They will go through all the evidence with you and talk to you about the different witnesses. The rules of evidence are complicated, and a criminal lawyer can ensure your best case is being put forward, and witnesses are being cross-examined appropriately.
3. Review and decipher the evidence against you.
A criminal lawyer plays a crucial role in ensuring an accused person is fully aware of the evidence against them (or lack thereof), and possible outcomes. A criminal lawyer can review and scrutinise the evidence, and inform you of options you may not know exist, this includes finding where there may be gaps or inadmissible evidence in the prosecution’s case.
4. Provide you with support.
A criminal lawyer has a wealth of resources and referral services that they can refer you to for many situations. This in turn, will lead to a more favourable outcome for you in relation to the criminal matter, as your lawyer can present this evidence to the court. A criminal lawyer is also able to support and guide you through every step of the way, navigating the complex criminal justice system.
5. Save yourself the stress
We would always advise to engage legal representation over self-representing in court. Often, you can be so overwhelmed with the process that you may either say the wrong thing in court, or forget to undertake a certain task/say a certain thing entirely. This may lead to a less than favourable outcome, in terms of a harsher punishment, a criminal record or your matter being listed for a hearing that you did not want. To take the stress out of the process, let a professional assist you. Our criminal defence lawyers are experienced in defending all sorts of offences. Take comfort knowing that everything is under control, and if your lawyer requires something of you, they will let you know. You can focus on your life and your family.
If you are facing court, it is important to have an experienced criminal defence lawyer by your side who can assist you with the process, defend your rights and help you achieve the best outcome possible in the circumstances. The Brisbane based criminal lawyers at Coates Davey Solicitors work with you every step of the way and break down the process, so you know what to expect and how best to prepare.
The Directors of Coates Davey Solicitors, Philip Coates and Elizabeth Davey pride themselves on being approachable and passionate, tailoring each client’s experience to suit their specific needs and working tirelessly on all cases. Elizabeth heads the Brisbane criminal Lawyers and Brisbane traffic and drink driving lawyers team.
Contact Coates Davey Solicitors today on 07 3181 5668 or [email protected] for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can best assist you.
We regularly attend all courts in South East Queensland, including the following:
Brisbane CBD and Surrounds:
Beenleigh Magistrates Court
Beaudesert Magistrates Court
Brisbane Magistrates Court
Caboolture Magistrates Court
Cleveland Magistrates Court
Holland Park Magistrates Court
Pine Rivers Magistrates Court
Richlands Magistrates Court
Roma Street Magistrates Court
Sandgate Magistrates Court
Wynnum Magistrates Court
Gold Coast Courts
Coolangatta Magistrates Court
Southport Magistrates Court
Sunshine Coast and Northern Regions
Bundaberg Magistrates Court
Caloundra Magistrates Court
Hervey Bay Magistrates Court
Gympie Magistrates Court
Maroochydore Magistrates Court
Nambour Magistrates Court
Noosa Magistrates Court
Western Regions
Dalby Magistrates Court
Gatton Magistrates Court
Ipswich Magistrates Court
Roma Magistrates Court
Toogoolawah Magistrates Court
Toowoomba Magistrates Court
Contact Coates Davey Solicitors Today
For further information, please contact our friendly team at Coates Davey Solicitors by phone on 07 3181 5668 or email [email protected].