In Canada, there were a reported 5,843 crimes reported to police out of every 100,000 people in 2023. The violent Crime Severity Index (CSI) in 2023 also remained unchanged from the previous year. However, there were lower incidents of sexual crimes against children (-10%) and homicide (-14%) than the previous year, though a higher rate of extortion, robbery, and harm from a weapon was reported. With so much crime around, criminal lawyers are in high demand.
Criminal lawyers play an essential role in the justice system. They defend those who are accused of violent crimes and handle cases which many other lawyers may not want to take on. In this article we’ll cover the top types of crimes criminal lawyers work with in their field of law. Let’s take a look.
Sexual Offenses
Sexual offenses generally include harassment, sexual assault, and rape in severe cases. These types of cases hold deep legal and social consequences for the perpetrator if found guilty. In these types of cases the lawyer generally focuses on:
• Consent
• Witnesses
• Credibility of evidence
• Forensic evidence
While they may defend their client, they do consider the extent of the crime if the perpetrator pleads guilty. People who are convicted of a sexual crime are generally jailed and are registered on the sexual offenders list for life.
Murder
Murder or homicide is a serious offense, and can often mean lengthy jail sentences. If you have a murder charge against you, it’s critical you find a good lawyer like Purser Law criminal lawyer or others in your area to help you through this process. Criminal lawyers generally analyze:
• Evidence at hand
• Surveillance footage
• Witness testimonials
• Murder weapons
• The relationship to the victim, if any
Assault and Battery
Charges of assault and battery are generally focused around a threat or an act of physical harm against another person. Criminal lawyers often work to establish if the motive against the other person was in self-defense. People who are convicted of assault and battery can serve jail time and have a long criminal record.
Drug-Related Offenses
Drug related offenses can be from possession, trafficking to distributing. The most common drugs which are involved are marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs. There are complex laws surrounding drugs depending on the state you live in and the country, so it’s important that criminal lawyers are up to speed on the different laws. Generally, a lawyer will look at credibility of evidence, and whether it was self use or an intent to distribute. They are highly skilled in this type of law.
White-collar crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading involve financial deceit. They’re often complex cases which involve extensive documentation. In these cases criminal lawyers have to work on:
• Dissecting financial records•
• Establishing intent
• Negotiating settlements
• Negotiating plea deals
These cases normally take months, and aren’t easy cases to deal with.
Weapon charges generally involve illegal possession and use, trafficking, or constructing weapons without a license. Criminal lawyers often look at:
• The intent with carrying the weapon
• Connections to any crimes committed
• If a search of a premises was legally obtained
Weapon charges can come down to a large fine or jail time depending on the extent of the charge.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges can involve allegations and evidence of abuse, harassment, intimidation, and threats. In these cases, emotions run high and it’s important for the lawyer to examine the evidence, the witness credibility, and the motives, especially if false accusations are involved.
Endnote
Criminal lawyers are well-versed in law especially when it comes to violent charges. If you’ve found yourself in the position of a violent crime, it’s important to find a lawyer to help you through the legal system and understand what your rights are. Proper legal representation can mean the difference between long jail time or a small fine.
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