Better Sentences with a Top Criminal Defence Lawyer

April 28, 2022

A defendant charged with a crime and pleads guilty or handed a guilty verdict will be sentenced according to the penalties fixed by criminal law. This scenario is inevitable. But how can you get a better sentence? Is it possible?

A criminal offence charge is a highly stressful time. A defendant will have obvious concerns such as what punishments they might receive and the long-term impact of conviction could have on their life and career.

For most people, there is also the stress of legal fees of hiring a criminal defence lawyer to represent them.

This article provides you with answers to crucial questions you might have.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Australia?

There are several ways a criminal defence lawyer can charge for their time. We outline the three most common methods that are being used by criminal lawyers in Australia.

• Hourly Rates

The most well-known method for charging legal services is via an hourly rate.

Your criminal lawyer will be charging you by the hour for the time they spend tackling your case. Charging an hourly rate is popular for a majority of law firms worldwide. Clients only pay for the time a lawyer spends working on their case. This is an obvious benefit for the client because they will only be paying for the services they receive.

• Fixed Fees

Most criminal law firms offer a fixed fee quote for a wide range of services. In this situation, your lawyer will provide you with a fixed fee that covers all the necessary work to accomplish an agreed result. This arrangement is ideal when a lawyer has a good idea about how much work is required for a specific case and is willing to provide a set fee to cover that work.

• Legal Aid Funding

Another common method of charging legal fees is legal aid. In Australia, suitable applicants can apply for legal funding from Legal Aid. The criminal lawyer’s fees are partially or entirely covered by the government.

How Can a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Australia Help with Your Case?

After completing their research and legal strategy, a criminal defence lawyer has many jobs left to accomplish. In court, they will call in witnesses in your defence, as well as cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.

A defence lawyer must be dynamic, trustworthy, explain complex topics to a jury and be prepared to discuss any aspect of the case.

• Plea Bargain

Your criminal defence lawyer may collaborate with you and the prosecutor for a plea bargain. A plea bargain can mitigate your potential sentence or even eliminate some of the charges filed against you.

• Sentencing

Your lawyer will determine a good sentencing program for your situation.

If you are charged with a crime, your criminal defence lawyer could help change your sentence. They would prevent you from ending up in the criminal justice system.

For example, instead of serving prison time for 10 months for a drug possession conviction, your defence attorney may suggest a prison sentence of six months and, after that, four months in a drug treatment facility.

• Case Outcomes

A lawyer has the vast experience and training to provide you with a reality check. Yes, it may be hard to hear, but a defence lawyer knows what is going on during your criminal trial more than you. 

A defence lawyer should be objective and offer insights into how the trial is going. Assessments and reality checks are critical when a defendant is trying to decide whether or not to agree to a prosecutor’s plea bargain.

• Rules and Regulations

Your lawyer will point out crucial legal rules that you would not likely find on your own. A majority of rules about criminal prosecutions are not immediately apparent within the laws and regulations even prior court decisions.

• State-Specific People and Systems

There are written rules and unwritten rules to take note of. The former covers the local rules of the court, and the latter involves tacit rules that go along with each jurisdiction. For example, your criminal defence lawyer could save you time and, in some cases, even jail time by talking to the right person regarding your plea bargain.

• Consequences of Pleading Guilty

Your lawyer can explain the hidden costs that come with pleading guilty. Most people representing themselves never factor in the consequences of pleading guilty if it could lead to a shorter term. For example, a guilty plea can make it difficult for you to land a job once you have completed your punishment. A lawyer will explain all the ramifications and options before you plead.

• Handling Witnesses

Your criminal defence lawyer is trained to work with witnesses. They can gather evidence and statements from witnesses that the prosecution will call in.

For fear of their safety, most witnesses refuse to provide statements or information to people who are allegedly involved in a crime. But these witnesses are much more willing to cooperate with a lawyer about their upcoming testimony.

• Handling Investigators and Experts

A significant part of the trial will involve calling in investigators and expert witnesses. Investigators can scrutinise the alleged crime and the prosecution’s witnesses.

If there is evidence that would make a witness’s testimony less believable, it could have a tremendous impact on your case. In the same vein, expert witnesses could present evidence that shows your innocence. They can also make the prosecution’s case less credible by disproving the evidence they present.

Who Is the Best Criminal Lawyer in Australia?

The team at Mardini Defence Lawyers is among the best criminal lawyers in Australia. We provide services for a broad range of criminal cases in local courts. We can represent you in different criminal cases, such as the following:

• Arson
• Assault
• AVO/domestic violence
• Break and enter
• Child pornography
• Dishonest acquisition
• Drug offences
• Firearms/weapon offences
• Indecent assault
• Malicious damage 

Mardini Defence Lawyers: Defending You

When hiring a criminal defence lawyer, look for one specialising in criminal defence and practices in the city or county where the charge is pending.

If you need one, Mardini Defence Lawyers specialises in criminal defence and has been serving NSW for many years. We cater to cases that range from crimes and traffic appeals to bail. We represent clients and ensure their rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Protect your rights and freedom. Let us help you plan a winning strategy for your defence. Don’t hesitate to call us for assistance and consultation.