Criminal Law – if I already have an upcoming court date, is it too late to contact a lawyer?
The short answer is no. It is never too late to contact a lawyer.
The benefit of having an experienced criminal lawyer represent you at your court date is that you will have someone with you who knows the criminal justice system and will be able to advise the best way forward in your particular matter. The lawyer will assist you every step of the way from the initial investigation of the matter right through to any plea or contested trial for the purpose of achieving the best possible outcome.
It is of course preferable to contact a lawyer as soon as you have been charged with an offence or even earlier if it appears you may be charged with an offence, so as to afford the lawyer the opportunity to recover proper instructions and undertake any enquiries that may be necessary including the interviewing of witnesses and/or collation of documentation.
However, if the engagement of a lawyer has been left to the last minute, it is still open to you to request legal representation and an application can be made to the Court to adjourn the proceedings so as to afford the lawyer the opportunity to take instructions and provide you with appropriate advice.
The sooner you consult an expert lawyer in your criminal matter, the better prospects there are in enabling the lawyer to recover full and proper instructions and undertake all necessary enquiries to ensure that your interests are protected.
Brydens Lawyers have expert criminal lawyers available to assist with respect to all criminal matters. For any criminal law enquiry contact Brydens Lawyers without delay on (insert number) or at brydens.com.au. At Brydens Lawyers – #WE DO criminal matters.