A criminal lawyer’s job involves several important responsibilities when they are hired to defend a client. Their goal is to represent the defendant in every step of the criminal proceedings, from speaking with police regarding the charges to the final moments in a trial.
During the pre-trial stage, criminal defence lawyers will help you understand your charges and navigate the complexities of the legal process. They will speak with you confidentially to understand the details of your situation and gather the information they need to build their defence, providing insight and advice along the way.
A Toronto criminal defence lawyer will thoroughly review the prosecution’s evidence if your case goes to court. If necessary, they will interview potential witnesses and speak with an expert witness to provide any needed medical or forensic expertise. Once they have gathered enough information, they can begin to prepare for trial.
If your case goes to trial, criminal lawyers will meet with the prosecution to discuss several trial-related details, including bail conditions and the estimated length of the trial. This provides an opportunity for your lawyer to present any important findings that could convince the prosecution to reduce the charges or withdraw their case.
Once your trial has commenced, your lawyer is responsible for representing you in court and delivering a quality defence. They will interview the prosecution's witnesses and present their findings in an effort to prove their case to a judge or potential jury.
If convicted, a criminal lawyer is then tasked with filing an appeal if the opportunity is available. This solution is available only if they can prove an error made during the trial that affected the outcome.