Why You Might Need a Criminal Lawyer

IntroductionEven though many people might think so, hiring a criminal attorney does not necessarily mean you are guilty of committing a crime. Whether you are a witness or a suspect, guilty or not, a criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights. After all, as stated by the Law, you are innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

In this presentation, we will show you the ways in which a criminal lawyer can assist you.

3-Step Process of Criminal JusticeTo sum the procedure up, there are 3 main steps involved in the criminal justice process. These are:•The investigation, the arrest, the arraignment

Whatever step you find yourself in, you will greatly benefit from having a criminal lawyer by your side to avoid making critical mistakes that could cost you your freedom. That lawyer will often be the only thing standing between you and the police (and their sometimes abusive methods).

Signs You Need a Lawyer: Investigation Process

An investigation can be as simple as policemen coming to your door or calling you on the phone to ask some basic questions about an incident you witnessed. However, things can happen along the way which should put a bug in your ear that you should get the help from a criminal lawyer without delay.

Below, you will find some of the top signs you need a professional with you during the investigation process.

You are being invited to the station:It all sounds innocuous enough; the police officer requests that you follow him to the station as he just needs to “ask further questions” or “get your official statement”. He may emphasize you are not under arrest, so why worry? You have nothing to hide, don't you? But you are wrong. In fact, this represents a sure sign you need to make that call to an attorney immediately.

The police wants you at the station for a reason: it is a controlled environment. They may think you are not telling them something, and the interrogation room – which was designed and perfected through countless psychological research – will help them discover what it is.

So, before you agree to that “invitation”, contact your lawyer.

You are being asked questions that seem out of place:For instance, when you are stopped by an officer for speeding and he asks you if you have something hidden in your car that you should not have. This type of query does not sit well. Take the cue and acknowledge the situation: you are likely in trouble and need to give your trusted attorney a call ASAP.

Signs You Need a Lawyer: ArrestAsking for a criminal lawyer's assistance, as early as possible, is definitely crucial as the investigation process can serve as preparation for an arrest if you are considered a suspect. You need to understand that an arrest can be made regardless of whether you are formally being charged with a crime or not... So you had better be ready and safe than sorry.

An officer can also place you under arrest when there is probable cause or a reasonable suspicion that you have taken part in a crime. With a criminal lawyer, such probable cause may be challenged.

Signs You Need a Lawyer: Arraignment

This is when the case is presented to the court. Before you make your plea, guilty or not, you should already have come up with a case strategy with a criminal attorney.Don't make the mistake to wait until you are about to appear before the judge to contact a specialist and start building your defense. This is your freedom that is at stake here.

ConclusionEverywhere in the country, there have been recorded cases where a suspect's rights have been trampled upon. In retrospect, if those people had been told they could have avoided finding themselves in such a delicate position simply by contacting a criminal lawyer, they would have done it in a heartbeat.

Do not make the same mistake as those individuals. Ensure that your rights are protected by getting the support of a specialist whenever you are in trouble.

To get the information right from the experts' mouth, visit: http://www.crim-lawyers.ca/