The term “lawyer” actually encompasses various legal professionals with different specializations and areas of expertise. Here, we’ll specifically talk about criminal lawyers and what a BC criminal defence lawyer can do for you that other lawyers may not be able to. We’ll discuss the different types of cases they handle, their areas of expertise, and how to find a top criminal defence lawyer in BC.

What is a Criminal Lawyer?

With a focus on criminal law, these legal professionals specialize in defending individuals or organizations accused of committing crimes. They work in the justice system and have extensive knowledge of criminal laws, procedures, and potential penalties for different offences. Criminal lawyers represent their clients throughout the entire legal process, from pretrial to trial and appeals.

Types of Cases Handled by Criminal Lawyers

BC criminal lawyers handle a wide range of cases, from minor misdemeanours to serious felonies. Some common types of legal cases they deal with include:

• Assault: This involves intentional physical harm or aggression towards another person.
• Drug offences: These can include possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and distribution of illegal substances.
• Domestic violence: Any form of physical or emotional harm inflicted by a family member or partner.
• Theft and property crimes: This includes theft, burglary, fraud, and other offences related to property.
• White-collar crimes are non-violent offences involving fraud or deception for financial gain.
• DUIs and IRPs: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs) for impaired driving.
• Sexual offences: These include acts of sexual assault, exploitation, or harassment.

Areas of Expertise for Criminal Lawyers

Criminal lawyers may have specific areas of expertise within criminal law. Some specialize in some instances, while others focus on a particular stage of the legal process. Some common areas of expertise for criminal lawyers include:

• Trial advocacy: These lawyers have extensive experience representing clients during trials, including cross-examination and presenting evidence.
• Appellate advocacy: Criminal lawyers specializing in appellate advocacy handle appeals cases and argue for their clients in higher courts.
• Negotiation and plea bargaining: Some criminal lawyers are especially skilled in negotiating with the Crown counsel for reduced charges or sentences.
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution: These lawyers may help clients resolve criminal matters outside the traditional court system through mediation or other methods.
• Extradition: Criminal lawyers specializing in extradition law handle cases where another jurisdiction wants individuals for criminal charges.
• International criminal law: This area of expertise focuses on crimes committed across international borders, such as war crimes or human trafficking.
• Cybercrime: As technology continues to advance, an increasing number of criminal activities are taking place online. Criminal lawyers with expertise in cybercrime are familiar with laws related to hacking, identity theft, and other internet-related offences.
• Corporate crime: This involves white-collar offences committed by companies or their executives, such as fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading.
• Juvenile justice: Criminal lawyers specializing in juvenile justice represent young individuals charged with criminal offences.
• Mental health law: These lawyers work with clients with mental health issues that may impact their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Call BC Criminal Lawyer Jerry Steele 

If you need criminal law services in BC, contact Jerry Steele at 778-700-0012 for the fierce advocacy you deserve when facing serious charges. His track record proves his dedication to protecting the rights and freedoms of his clients, and he’ll fight for you, too.