A criminal lawyer plays a vital role in helping a person who has been charged for committing an offence. He cannot do this alone. The accused has to help him in every way possible so that he can build the strongest possible defense to present in a court of law.

The primary task of a criminal defense attorney is to reduce the penalty that may be incurred by a client once they have been arrested and charged. He performs his duties in a local or state court and receives a set remuneration from the state or local authority. The work involved varies according to clients, cases and the situation.

These qualified professionals need to be familiar with all aspects of their clients\’ alleged crime. All details are discussed prior to a court hearing. In court the attorney acts totally on behalf the person charged with the crime. He is in effect the eyes, ears and mouth of this person. He speaks on behalf of the defendant throughout the proceedings. He takes into account the legal rights that the client has and endeavors to disprove the charges against him.

When he first meets the person suspected of a crime, the attorney needs to hear all aspects of the allegations. He needs information regarding witnesses to the incident as well as any relevant documentation that will strengthen his case.

The attorney studies all the case details. He will also gather additional information from police officers, detectives, witnesses and any other individuals who may have been involved in some way. As the representative of a client, the defense attorney has to present him at all interrogation sessions and answer all questions on the defendant\’s behalf. He advises the client as to how he should answer if approached directly by interrogation officers.

All the case details must be scrutinized by the defense attorney. He carries out detailed interviews with all witnesses to the crime. He also interviews potential character witnesses which may strengthen the case for the accused. He sees to all the legal formalities prior to and during the court hearing. He has the responsibility to present the best possible case for a client to the judge and jury. He has to question all witnesses who are for and against the defendant in order to impress the court that his client was not a party to the crime.

Once all the witnesses have been questioned by the defense and prosecution, it is time for the attorneys on either side to present their closing arguments. This can be make or break for the accused. The defense attorney closing argument must summarize the case in such a way as to create doubt among the jury members regarding the accused\’s involvement. The defense attorney can use a well prepared and well researched closing argument to sway the jury and find his client innocent of the accusations.

The criminal lawyer has completed his task successfully if his client is exonerated of the crime. However, if his client is found guilty, he needs to continue. He has to serve him by presenting evidence and arguments that may lighten the sentence.

Author Bio: There are criminal lawyers in Toronto for your legal assistance. If you are looking for an excellent criminal defence lawyer Toronto, search no further. Find the right criminal lawyer in Toronto today. Contact Donna V Pledge Barrister & Solicitor 1013 Wilson Avenue Suite 203 Toronto ON M3K 1G1 (416) 630-8702

Category: Legal
Keywords: business, family, legal, lawyer, justice, politics, services, industry, finance, economy, police