Life doesn’t come with warning labels or a guarantee that everything will be fine. There are many hardships (including financial and health issues) that can make life difficult, but facing criminal charges can be particularly devastating to your mental health and relationships. The possibility of prison time, hefty fines and a tainted reputation can be both confusing and terrifying.
If you’ve been criminally charged or are currently being investigated by police, it’s important to understand your rights and get proper advice about your options.
How to Choose the Best Criminal Defence Lawyer
No matter how intelligent you are, representing yourself in court is never advisable.
No two criminal cases are the same, and it’s important to understand the unique complexities of yours as well as the laws and arguments that might work in your favour. Only a skilled criminal defence lawyer can identify pretrial issues that could mitigate or even negate potential criminal liability. When your freedom (and reputation) is on the line, seeking expert legal advice and representation is a must.
Here are some important things you should consider when hiring a criminal defence lawyer.
Are They Knowledgeable and Experienced?
When your future’s at stake, choose someone who can get results. Knowledge and experience are key to a lawyer’s success. Even if your case doesn’t go to trial, having an experienced lawyer by your side can help you avoid common pitfalls that could otherwise land you in legal trouble. They will analyze every aspect of your case and determine if there are any defences that could be applicable to your case. Each court has unique local rules and practices. If your lawyer knows them (and how they operate at their local court), it can give you an advantage.
How Professional Are They?
When you’re accused of a criminal offence, you need a lawyer who’s thoroughly professional and specialized in their area of practice. An expert defence lawyer will dedicate enough time to your case, investigate different angles, form a strong defence strategy and question the investigative procedures used by police.
Look for these actions and behaviours in your criminal defence lawyer:
- Works passionately to protect your best interests
- Comes to meetings on time and prepared
- Keeps their clients’ personal information private
- Has great speaking and listening skills
- Keeps clients informed about case proceedings and possible outcomes
- Behaves respectfully
When we take on a case at Saini Law, we review many factors. These include the nature of your charges, the evidence backing them up and the credibility of any potential evidence and witnesses. Whether you’ve been charged with a drug offence, domestic violence or murder, we work tirelessly to find a winning solution. We return client telephone calls or inquiries promptly so you never feel left out and are always fully informed regarding the status of your case.
Are They a Good Negotiator?
Many criminal cases are settled out of court. A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between the prosecutor and defendant that aims to reduce an accused’s potential sentence or eliminate some of their charges.
Prosecutors may sometimes take advantage of defendants who represent themselves. They know that negotiating with a novice is easier than going to trial with an experienced criminal defence lawyer. There’s a time to fight it out in court and a time to negotiate. Only a seasoned defence attorney like Harpreet Saini knows the difference and puts you in the best possible position for a plea bargain.
Are They Psychologically Supportive?
Criminal proceedings can be emotional as defendants often have to deal with anxiety, embarrassment and fear of being jailed. Since the situation is already traumatic, it’s important to work with a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable. With Saini Law at your side, you can rest assured knowing we will push the limits to protect your rights and obtain the best possible outcome.
Just as you wouldn’t visit a dentist to treat an ear infection, you shouldn’t consult a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been accused of murder, rape or burglary. The law is vast and different lawyers specialize in different fields. When your career, reputation, and freedom are on the line, it’s important to take prompt action.
Harpreet Saini is a successful criminal defence lawyer in Brampton with more than 16 years of experience. He is dedicated to getting optimal results for his clients, based on their individual circumstances. During his career, he’s handled a variety of criminal defence cases and gained deep insight into how the Canadian judicial system works. He practices at the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Appeal. Contact Harpreet Saini today to improve your chances of winning your case or obtaining a favourable plea bargain.