If you are looking to hire a defence lawyer in the Toronto area, you may be a bit confused about what exactly a criminal defence lawyer is, what kind of cases they work on, and how they can help defend your rights when you are charged with a criminal offence. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to hire the best defence lawyer near you, ensuring you make an informed choice.
A criminal defence lawyer specialises in defending individuals charged with criminal offences under the Criminal Code of Canada or regulatory offences under the Provincial Offences Act. Criminal lawyers often call themselves “barristers” because they regularly appear in court, as opposed to “solicitors” who focus mainly on written legal work.
Every lawyer in Ontario is technically a barrister and a solicitor by virtue of their licensure with the Law Society of Ontario (formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada). Criminal defence lawyers have chosen to focus their practice on trial advocacy and the associated work required in defending criminal charges. They hold a J.D. or L.L.B. law degree and are licensed to practice law in Ontario.
In defending a person accused of a crime, a criminal lawyer performs many hours of work behind the scenes. This includes:
An experienced criminal defence lawyer is equipped to handle both simple and complex criminal cases. They ensure they are competent to handle each case, making it crucial for clients to verify the lawyer's experience with similar charges.
Criminal defence lawyers handle a wide variety of charges, including but not limited to:
When choosing a Toronto criminal defence lawyer, several important factors must be considered to ensure you select the right lawyer.
No lawyer can guarantee a particular outcome in your case or make promises about the exact amount of success you will have. Each case is unique, with different facts, evidence, and circumstances, meaning even similar charges can have different outcomes. Be wary of lawyers who make guarantees of success, as they are setting you up for disappointment.
When facing criminal charges that could result in significant jail time or other serious consequences, you need an experienced advocate. Review the lawyer's track record and ask about similar cases they have defended. Although you may not receive the same outcome, understanding the lawyer's experience can be beneficial. For example, Pyzer Criminal Law has successfully defended clients in numerous cases, showcasing their expertise.
Hiring an experienced criminal defence lawyer is a significant expense. Defending even basic charges involves hours of preparation and strategic planning. Lawyers take steps to ensure the costs incurred in defending your rights are reasonable and necessary, but clients should prepare financially for legal representation.
Lawyers typically provide a detailed overview of their hourly or set fee for defending charges, including potential fees if the matter proceeds to trial. Regular updates on billing help avoid surprises. Depending on the nature of the charges, these expenses can often be spread out over time, making them more manageable.
Consider the lawyer’s personal attributes, such as their communication skills, availability, and dedication. An effective criminal defence lawyer should be approachable, willing to listen, and committed to your case. They should provide clear and consistent communication, keeping you informed about the progress of your case.
Referrals from friends, family, or colleagues can be invaluable. Additionally, reading testimonials and reviews from previous clients can provide insight into the lawyer’s reputation and effectiveness. Positive feedback from satisfied clients often indicates a lawyer's ability to handle cases successfully.
At Pyzer Criminal Law, our team of experienced defence lawyers has years of experience defending criminal cases in Toronto and Ontario. We are committed to your case, raising every realistic and viable defence, and leveraging the inner workings of the criminal justice system to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our firm provides clients with the best defence by vigorously defending their criminal charges. We ensure:
We treat every case with the utmost seriousness and work tirelessly from the moment we receive your call until the case is resolved. Our commitment involves crafting a winning legal strategy from day one, ensuring every possible defence is explored.
If you’re ready to learn more about how Pyzer Criminal Law can help with your criminal charges, contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation. We will sit down with you to learn more about your particular charges and begin crafting a legal strategy.
When facing criminal charges, the best decision you can make is trusting an experienced criminal lawyer to defend you. Retaining a lawyer at the earliest possible opportunity allows our team to start working on a resolution for your charges immediately.
