Frequently Asked Question

Prior to your first appearance, you can retain a lawyer to attend court with you or even to attend your court appearances on your behalf, depending on your agreement with your lawyer. Your lawyer is there to speak for you, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing. In most courthouses, the Crown Attorney will give priority to the cases where a lawyer is present in court PRIOR to dealing with any cases involving unrepresented accused persons. Many accused persons retain lawyers prior to their first appearance in court. 

Abraham Lincoln said “he who represents himself has a fool for a client”. Facing prison, fines and felony convictions is a serious matter. No matter how smart you may be, representing yourself in a trial in a very effective way is very arduous. In fact, criminal defense attorneys are professionals that can help pull out case elements that are unique. Moreover, our job, at Aavocats, is to listen to arguments and find elements, and present the fact in the most effective way that supports a winning legal theory. For these reasons and several others, you should always know and work with criminal defense attorneys. 

Any crime that involves tax fraud, domestic violence, driving under the influence of subtances are examples where your first call should be to your lawyer. Basically, any violation that might cause you ending up in handcuffs should be a matter of enough substantial importance that you require you calling your lawyer to defend you. The faster you can get a hold of your lawyer the better. 

Pleading guilty to criminal charges is a very serious decision. We recommend that you talk to your lawyer and get a professional opinion before considering this decision. Please be mindful of the implications that might accompany the said decision. You should not plead guilty for a crime you did not commit or if you are being pressured to do so. Consult a professional criminal defense attorney and they will be able to help you consider your options. Please do not make any hasty decisions with such a serious matter. 

Your first move should be planning your first appearance in court. At that date, you will be asked if you want to plead guilty or not guilty. It is not recommended to plead guilty before getting the evidence the prosecutors have against you. The evidence is disclosed at your first hearing. Contact our team so we can represent you without having to even be there.