Have you been arrested for domestic violence in Vancouver? If so, you must work with an experienced Vancouver domestic violence lawyer. Although you have to right to appear in court by yourself, you need to know the benefits of hiring a criminal attorney who can guide you through your first appearance in court. This appearance involves different moving parts and must be handled with the utmost care and precision to avoid ruining your defense.
An attorney will help you understand all the steps you must take through the process. Also, they will counsel you on the decisions you need to make on the first court date, particularly issues that are time-sensitive. If you are being charged with domestic violence, things can quickly get challenging, and you may not know what to do next. Also, the consequences of these charges can change your life forever. Because of this, you need a lawyer who can give you appropriate legal guidance. Here’s why you should hire a domestic violence lawyer:
Domestic Violence is a Serious Charge
Domestic violence comes with higher stakes when it ends up in a conviction. When convicted, you could at least get a significant fine. Together with fines, you may face jail time, lose your rights to own firearms, or get a permanent criminal record.
The Accuser Will Have a Lawyer to Prove Their Case
The other party in the case will be represented by an attorney. Without a lawyer, you allow the accuser to win. Your attorney can request a reduction or dismissal of your charges. If you choose to represent yourself, you could be punished significantly. Because lawyers know the law and the rights you have, they can help make sure you don’t suffer unnecessary consequences.
Domestic Violence Cases are Stressful
Going to court can take plenty of time and you would never want to go through this alone. With the help of a lawyer, you have an expert helping you collect evidence and information that can be used to build a strong defense for your case. Also, this means you don’t need to handle this tedious process by yourself. Your lawyer will look into your case, assess related documents, and help you understand the allegations you are being charged with. Also, your lawyer may work with the prosecutor to establish a plea deal.
To make sure you hire a good attorney who can handle your domestic violence case, research your local options and learn more about their credentials and qualifications. Although your lawyer cannot give you guarantees, having them on your side will pay off.
