Getting in trouble with the law is often one of the last things that anyone would willingly do or attempt to do. However, in life, mistakes do happen, and you may unwittingly find yourself in some legal trouble. If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, you might be wondering if getting a criminal lawyer is the best course of action for you to take. In this post, we take a look at what the role of a criminal lawyer is, when you should consider hiring one and how much does one cost.
What Do Criminal Lawyers Do?
Contrary to popular belief, defending a client in court is not the only thing that a criminal lawyer does. In fact, most court hearings in non-major criminal cases often only take a day or less. Yet, the job of a criminal lawyer starts way before any trial even takes place, and may consist of less glamorous, behind-the-scenes work. Some of the duties that a criminal lawyer may take on apart from representing a client in court include:
- Preparing a client’s defence for the court hearing.
- Legal research and investigation.
- Negotiating with prosecutors to get a more lenient sentence for a client.
When Should You Hire a Criminal Lawyer?
While it may be tempting to save money on hiring a criminal lawyer and representing yourself in court, this is often a bad idea. Criminal lawyers undergo years of training and pupillage before they are ready to represent clients in court, and their experience helps them navigate the legal system and its nuances to achieve the best possible result for you.
That said, it is best to engage a criminal lawyer as soon as you are being charged with a crime. The sooner you engage a criminal lawyer, the sooner they will be able to provide you with advice and guidance. They are bound to act in your best interests and will often instruct you on the steps you can take to build a strong case should your case go to court.
How Much Do Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne Cost?
Like other lawyers, criminal lawyers commonly bill by the hour and most criminal lawyers charge between $300 to $800 per hour. Depending on the complexity of your case, the number of hours that you will be charged for can vary significantly. Due to the varying nature of lawyer fees, it is best for you to have a consultation with a lawyer. During this consultation, they will be able to advise you as to how much you can expect to pay depending on the details of your case.
Leanne Warren & Associates – Leading Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne
If you’ve gotten in some trouble with the law and aren’t sure of how exactly to proceed, don’t panic! Get in touch with our team of expert criminal lawyers at Leanne Warren & Associates today for a no-obligation consultation. Our team of experienced criminal lawyers will be more than happy to help you with your legal troubles and provide you with advice on the next steps you should take.
