A fair justice system is one of the core foundations of any democracy. Yet no matter how good a court system is, mistakes can be made. Thankfully the legal system recognizes this which is why we have appeal courts.
It’s here where a criminal appeal lawyer becomes invaluable. They can make the difference between a lifetime behind bars or a much brighter future, here we’ll look at the importance of an appeal lawyer and also give you some tips on how to find a great one.
Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Appeal Lawyer
There are many reasons why hiring a criminal appeals lawyer can be a great idea. If you’re considering hiring one, these are six great reasons why you should.
1. Legal Expertise
The appeals process is a complex legal maze and it takes many years to learn its rules, regulations, and nuances. These are very different from a criminal trial and therefore knowledge in one doesn’t always translate to the other.
A skilled criminal lawyer will have plenty of knowledge of the intricacies of the law. This will allow them to identify errors, procedural mistakes, or any violations of your rights. Crucially, they will find a path to overturning your conviction.
2. Fresh Perspective
A criminal trial can be an exhausting experience. Not winning your court case can make it difficult for you and your trial lawyer to see a way forward.
This is why a new set of eyes can be a game changer. Your appeal lawyer will review all of the available evidence with a fresh perspective. Due to this, they may see overlooked details or legal strategies which can positively impact the appeal.
3. Effective Legal Strategy
A case can only be overturned in an appeal if an error has been made. An appeal lawyer will use their acumen and expertise to find errors that you may not have even considered.
Once they do, they will start creating the narrative of a compelling legal argument. They will build a watertight case and pick apart the original ruling. They are the experts at casting doubt over the original judgment for a better outcome.
4. Procedural Mastery
There are various deadlines, requirements and procedures that need to be followed in the appeals process. Not following the procedure in the right way can lead to the dismissal of your case before it has even begun.
For a criminal appeal lawyer, this is all second nature. They will ensure that everything is done on time and in the right way. As a result, there won’t be any delays and the case will be allowed to proceed.
5. Access to Resources
An experienced appeal lawyer has access to a wide range of legal resources. Not only that but they know how to use these resources to bolster your defense. These resources can help uncover new evidence, challenge the credibility of witnesses, or highlight errors made during the trial.
6. Emotional Support
If you’re even considering an appeal lawyer, you’ll already be in a vulnerable emotional state. Not only this, but the appeals process can be draining too.
Having a dedicated criminal appeal lawyer by your side not only provides legal support but also emotional support. They have a lot of experience with the stresses and strains of the legal system. They’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.
How to Find a Good Criminal Appeal Lawyer?
While hiring a criminal appeal lawyer is important, equally is finding a good one. Here are some tips to help you find a reputable and effective appeal lawyer:
Experience – To give yourself the best possible chance, look for a lawyer with a proven track record of handling criminal appeals. Their experience will ensure they can navigate any complexities in the case and ensure you have the best possible chance.
Reputation – Reputation is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it shows that your lawyer has a good track record in criminal appeals. Secondly, an excellent reputation means they are more likely to be well-respected and taken seriously in the courtroom.
Specialization – Criminal defence attorneys are crucial for trials. However, an appeals lawyer is much more well-versed in the nuances of appeal law. They are specialists at what they do and you shouldn’t trust any other type of lawyer for your appeals case.
References – Looking at references and reviews can give you a great insight into the quality of your appeals lawyer. Take a look at these before making your decision. They can provide valuable insights into their skills, communication, and commitment.
Consultation – Not sure what to do? A good criminal appeals lawyer will happily sit down with you and discuss your case. Not only will they give you advice but it gives you a chance to judge their professionalism and see if you have a good rapport.
Fees – Once you are interested in hiring a criminal appeals lawyer, you can then talk about fees. Discuss these upfront and then you can have a clearer idea of the cost. While cost should not be the sole factor in your decision, it’s essential to be aware of the financial aspects.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a criminal appeal lawyer Ottawa is a critical step in getting the justice you deserve. Their legal expertise and experience will give you the best possible chance to cast doubt on your trial and get a positive outcome.
At AGP LLP, we have expert criminal defence lawyers who have immense experience with successful appeals. If you need a lawyer for criminal appeal, don’t hesitate to get in touch today and we’ll see how we can help.
