CRIMINAL LAWYERS GOLD COAST

QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED ALOT

Do I Need A Lawyer?

You’ve probably heard the saying, “He who represents himself has a fool for a client”.” When the police charge you with a crime, it’s a serious matter. The legal system is complex, and a conviction can change your life. Not everyone accused of a crime is guilty. Trying to represent yourself might harm your case more than help it.

Experienced criminal lawyers have years of training and know-how in criminal law. They can examine evidence and determine if there’s a defence available. What seems like a strong case against you might look weak to a criminal defence lawyer. There could be crucial evidence missing. A skilled lawyer could find a strong defence or make a compelling argument for why the prosecution should drop the case. This could result in dropped charges or a not-guilty verdict. Hiring a criminal lawyer is the first step toward a successful outcome.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Criminal Lawyer? 

The cost of hiring a lawyer varies based on factors like the type of offence police have charged you with and the services you need.

Lawyers typically charge clients either by the hour or with a fixed fee.

Hourly rate billing means the lawyer will charge you for the time they spend on tasks, usually in six-minute increments. This method can be seen as rewarding inefficiency because even quick tasks are billed for the minimum time. Lawyers may use this when the scope of work is uncertain.

With fixed-fee billing, clients pay a set amount for specific tasks. This provides clarity on legal costs and helps with budgeting. It’s the preferred method for Craven Lawyers.

Will I Get A Conviction Recorded? 

Determining if someone will have a conviction recorded can be tricky. The law requires the Court to consider factors like the type of offence, the person’s character and age, and how having a conviction will affect their job prospects.

What Should I Do If The Police Contact Me? 

If the police contact you, you must contact a criminal lawyer immediately. Being contacted by the police indicates you’re under their scrutiny for something. Don’t assume your innocence means you don’t need legal assistance. Even innocent individuals seek the guidance of criminal lawyers early on. A criminal lawyer can offer initial advice on your rights, what to anticipate, and how to interact with the police.

Do I Need To Speak To The Police? 

If police question you about a crime, you’re only required to give them your name and address. If they ask for identification to confirm this, you must provide it. Avoid saying anything else except that you want to talk to a lawyer.

Keep in mind, police often record conversations, starting from the first interaction. Anything you say can be used against you in court, whether recorded or not. Always consult a lawyer before speaking to the police, regardless of how innocent their questions may seem.

Police Have Asked Me to Take Part In An Interview, What Should I Do? 

Our standard advice is to advise clients against agreeing to an interview with the police. Based on our experience, those who participate in police interviews often struggle to convince them not to press charges.

There are several compelling reasons why we suggest avoiding police interviews, which we detail here:

Please note that police typically carry recording devices and begin recording conversations from the outset. Anything you say to them, whether recorded or not, could be used against you in court. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer before speaking to the police, regardless of how innocent their questions may appear.

Keep in mind, police often record conversations, starting from the first interaction. Anything you say can be used against you in court, whether recorded or not. Always consult a lawyer before speaking to the police, regardless of how innocent their questions may seem.