Being charged with a crime is a frightening and stressful experience. The stakes are high, and your future is impacted by the outcome of your case. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is crucial for navigating the complex criminal justice system and building the strongest possible defense.
Conduct a thorough investigation
They will look at all the evidence, interview witnesses, visit the crime scene, and leave no stone unturned. Building a solid understanding of what transpired is essential so your lawyer identify inconsistencies, procedural mistakes, unconstitutional actions by police, and other potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If your lawyer finds exonerating evidence or proof that your rights were violated, this could get charges reduced or even dismissed.
Negotiate with the prosecution
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will engage in meticulous negotiation with prosecutors to advocate for you every step of the way. They too have charges reduced or dismissed entirely through programs like pre-trial diversion or deferred adjudication. If charges be dropped, for a fair plea deal or work to have multiple charges consolidated into fewer more favorable ones. Savvy negotiation requires a keen understanding of prosecutors’ goals, the intricacies of criminal statutes, and the precedents set by prior case outcomes. Your attorney’s relationships and reputation with local prosecutors also help.
Advise you on whether to accept a plea deal
Faced with the pressures of an impending trial, prosecutors will frequently offer plea bargains to avoid time-consuming litigation. An adept criminal defense lawyer will advise you on the merits of accepting or rejecting a plea offer. They will weigh factors like potential sentencing exposure, the strength of the defense case, the burden on you and your family of a trial, and collateral consequences like immigration or professional license implications. Your lawyer should clearly explain your options, provide their impartial recommendation, but ultimately defer to your judgment on whether or not to accept a plea.
File motions challenging the prosecution’s case
Filing motions with the court is another way top criminal lawyers in Brampton attorneys take assertive action to build a vigorous defense. For example, they may file a motion to suppress evidence arguing it was obtained in violation of your rights. If successful, illegally seized evidence be used against you. Other motions may seek to dismiss the case entirely due to procedural errors, request a change of venue, demand details on confidential informants, or exclude prejudicial evidence at trial. Your lawyer’s mastery of important defense motions profoundly impacts your case.
Present a persuasive case theory
Having a consistent case theory weaving together a compelling narrative of events is crucial for any criminal trial. Your lawyer’s role is crafting a believable counter-story to the prosecution’s accusations. The theory should align with the known evidence, exploit logical gaps or contradictions in the charges against you, and position you in the most favorable light possible. This requires strategic thinking, creativity, and understanding of what will appeal to a jury. Presenting a credible and sympathetic case theory could raise reasonable doubt resulting in an acquittal.
