There are a few situations where it is vital to seek the guidance of a criminal lawyer if charged with a crime in BC. The timeline for seeking legal representation may vary depending on whether you have been arrested and detained or charged and released. Here are some key scenarios where it is important to have a criminal lawyer by your side:
If you have been arrested and detained
If you have been arrested and detained, seek the help of a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. This means right after your arrest or while you are in police custody. The criminal lawyer can advise you on your rights and help you navigate the legal process.
You have certain rights after you’ve been arrested, including knowing what you are being arrested for and the police not using excessive force with you. You also have the right to timely access to a lawyer and the ability to speak to your lawyer in privacy. Finally, you also have the right to access a phone book. However, most jails keep numbers for legal aid and lawyers on hand.
If you have been charged and released
Let’s say you were charged with a crime or are facing criminal charges but were released from custody. In this case, you’ll still want to seek the advice of a lawyer as soon as possible after your release. This will give your lawyer enough time to review your case and prepare a strong defence strategy.
For example, if you were charged with a DUI and given a court date, contact a great criminal defence lawyer immediately: Jerry Steele. He can help you understand the charges against you and advise on what steps to take next. He can also represent you in court and potentially help reduce or dismiss your charges.
Those charged with a crime are encouraged not to discuss their case with anyone except for their lawyer, including family, friends, or police officers. As you may know, anything you say can be used against you in court, so it’s smart to remain silent until you consult a lawyer.
If you are under investigation
It’s not always necessary to be arrested or charged for legal trouble to start brewing. Sometimes, an individual may become aware they are under investigation for a crime. This can happen if you receive a subpoena to appear in court or the police contact you for questioning.
If this happens again, it is often wise to seek legal advice immediately. Your lawyer can guide you on your rights and advise you on handling the situation without incriminating yourself.
The timeline for seeking legal representation
The timeline for seeking legal representation varies depending on your situation. If you have been arrested and detained, seek a criminal lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. This will give your lawyer time to prepare for your bail hearing, usually held within 24 hours of your arrest.
If you have been given a court date, contact a lawyer well before it so they have enough time to thoroughly review your case and gather evidence to build a strong defence strategy.
It’s also important to note that the earlier you seek legal representation, the better the outcome may be for your case. Your lawyer will have more time to gather evidence and build a strong defence, potentially leading to reduced criminal charges or even a dismissal of your case.
Choose Jerry Steele for Your Defence
Choosing a well-regarded and experienced BC criminal lawyer like Jerry Steele is imperative regardless of where you are on your legal situation’s timeline. He has extensive experience in criminal defence and can provide you with excellent representation. Call toll-free now: 778-700-0012