What to Expect When Working With a Criminal Defence Professional

Criminal charges can be daunting. The legal terminology is unfamiliar and overwhelming, and so are all the procedures involved. You don’t know what to do or not, and neither do you know what laws are applicable. Over time, these add up to a lot of uncertainty that makes things seem worse than they are.

Getting legal representation is the best approach here. When you hire a defence lawyer, things become a lot clearer. You get the right guidance to understand the Victorian law, what happens next, and what your role is during the proceedings. If you’ve never worked with a lawyer before, here’s what you can expect. 

The Initial Consultation

Everything starts with a conversation. You'll explain what happened, or what you're accused of doing. Your lawyer will ask a lot of questions. Some might feel uncomfortable or intrusive, but all of them have distinct reasons. Lawyers need the full picture to advise you properly. This conversation is protected by legal professional privilege, meaning nothing you say can be disclosed without your consent. Be honest. Any surprises later could complicate things in court.

Reviewing the Evidence

After you engage a lawyer, they will start by obtaining the prosecution’s brief of evidence. This contains everything from witness statements to CCTV footage and expert opinions. Anything that they plan to use against you. 

Your lawyer reviews the evidence carefully, searching for inconsistencies, weaknesses, and gaps in the narrative. They will explain to you what the evidence shows and how it affects your case. Sometimes the picture looks quite different once you see what the prosecution has versus what you feared they might have.

Explaining the Charges

Indeed, criminal charges are often confusing. The legal terms aren’t what you’re used to. Your lawyer will break down exactly what you're accused of and what the prosecution must prove to secure a conviction. 

Victorian law has specific elements for each offence, including criminal charges. The prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt. If not, the charge fails. Once you know this, you can better collaborate with your lawyer to prepare your defence accordingly. 

Discussing Your Options

Being the accused doesn’t mean you lack options. Whether you want to plead guilty or contest your charges in court, you can make your own choice. Lawyers explain each option clearly, so you know what to expect, what the risks are, and how it can affect your case. They will essentially offer their professional advice on how to proceed, but the final decision is yours. An experienced lawyer will never rush you into a decision. They will guide you, explain every procedure, and support your choice.

Preparing Your Defence

Preparation begins in earnest when you’re contesting your charges. Your lawyer can work with investigators to find witnesses or source additional evidence for your case. They may even instruct forensic experts to argue the prosecution’s evidence. They'll prepare you thoroughly for what the court will be like. The procedures, the questions you might face, and how to conduct yourself in front of a magistrate or jury. 

Court Appearances

Most matters involve multiple court dates before resolution. From mentions and directions hearings to contested hearings, each appearance serves a different purpose in the process. As your lawyer, they will explain what these appearances mean. They will guide you on whether you need to attend them. If not, they will represent you in court and handle the legal proceedings on your behalf. All you need to do is follow their instructions and let them do what they’re best at. 

Ongoing Communication

Seasoned lawyers know the importance of continuous communication. Not just when something major happens, but throughout the entire process. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have. If something doesn’t add up, tell them. If you're worried about something specific, raise it directly. The lawyer-client relationship works best when communication flows both ways.

Resolution and Beyond

Eventually, matters do get resolved. Whether it’s an acquittal or a sentencing, your lawyer will explain what an outcome means for you going forward. If the judge has passed a sentence, they will pursue the best possible outcome for you. They will try everything from presenting mitigating factors to leveraging grounds for an appeal. But no matter what they do, they will discuss with you so you don’t have to rely on guesswork.

Conclusion

Working with a criminal defence professional isn't just about having someone stand beside you in court. It's about having a guide through an unfamiliar and often frightening process. Someone who explains what's happening, protects your rights, and fights for your interests at every stage. The Victorian criminal justice system has rules designed to ensure fairness, but you need someone who knows those rules to make them work for you.