Criminal law is complex and constantly evolving. A criminal lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system and provide you with informed advice. They ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

A lawyer will ensure that you understand the Court process. There will usually be the need for more than one attendance at the Court and without representation the process can be confusing. A lawyer will be familiar with the court and will know how to present your case effectively.

In order to know whether you should plead guilty or not, it is important to first understand the offence you have been charged with. Understanding the offence requires not only an understanding of the law that you are charged under, but also understanding whether the police can use the evidence they have in order to prove you guilty of that offence. A skilled criminal lawyer will analyse the evidence to not only see if it properly supports a charge but also whether it can be used in court under the rules of evidence. 

A lawyer will help build the best possible defence, ensuring all evidence is reviewed thoroughly and any mistakes or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case are highlighted for the Judge. They provide guidance on the best plea options and may negotiate police prosecution agreement to reduced charges or penalties prior to Court if possible. Further, for some offences you may be able to ask the Judge not to record a conviction on your criminal record if you pay a fine or to issue a restricted drivers licence to allow you to get to and from work and a lawyer will be invaluable in seeking these things.

A lawyer will ensure that your legal rights are upheld. They will ensure that any evidence against you was obtained lawfully and that you are not coerced into making statements that could harm your case. They will also ensure that the Judge considers not only the police evidence, but also your side of the story.

Handling a criminal case without legal representation can lead to mistakes. A lawyer knows the right procedures, deadlines, and documents needed. There are limited grounds to appeal a conviction and so it’s easier to get it right the first time.

Generally speaking, free services (excluding legal aid) can only assist in giving more general advice and will be unlikely to spend significant time getting across the evidence in your matter. They also don’t guarantee representation on the day. A private lawyer (whether engaged through legal aid or paid) will be able to manage your matter from start to finish, ensuring that they have an excellent understanding of the matter and guarantees you representation at Court.