A criminal lawyer in Singapore is a legal professional who specialises in criminal law and represents individuals or entities that have been accused of or charged with criminal behaviour. Their primary role is to advocate for and defend those facing criminal allegations.
What is a criminal lawyer & their responsibilities? A criminal lawyer's main responsibilities include: meeting with clients to understand the details of their case, including the allegations against them, evidence, etc. Identifying and developing legal strategies and arguments for the defence. This may include scrutinising evidence, finding case laws that could help dismiss or reduce charges, negotiating with prosecutors, etc.
Staying up-to-date on developments in criminal law and procedure rules to provide the best defence. In some cases, negotiating plea bargains with prosecutors to minimise sentencing if they believe the case may not hold up in court.
Also Read: Importance of a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Singapore
A crucial responsibility of any criminal defence lawyer in Singapore is thorough case preparation before the trial begins. This involves gathering relevant facts and evidence around the alleged crime to build the strongest defence. Activities typically include:
Interviewing clients in depth to understand exactly what happened from their perspective. Examining police reports to identify flaws or investigate if certain protocols were not followed. Tracking down potential witnesses and assessing if their version of events would help or harm the defence’s case.
Criminal defence attorneys also spend substantial time gathering additional evidence beyond what the prosecution has shared. This independent fact-finding aims to uncover new information that contradicts the prosecution’s claims or provides alternative theories of the crime. Physical evidence is photographed, videos are taken of locations, and expert opinions are sought to cast doubts.
A top criminal lawyer in Singapore will exhaustively interview not just their client but all relevant witnesses from both sides of the case. This allows for assessing the credibility of testimony and figuring out the strength of examination or cross-examination approaches. Witnesses may change testimonies or recall vital new facts when questioned in depth.
Criminal lawyers pore over every detail of police reports around the charges and dig deep into local or national legal codes about the crime. Loopholes may exist enabling dismissal of charges due to technicalities.
Every element of available evidence forms the basis of shaping the strongest defence for trial. A savvy criminal lawyer in Singapore can spot inconsistencies in reports versus testimony, raising sufficient doubt regarding the prosecution’s account of events. Additional evidence further weakens the case. Smart lawyers have an evolving defence strategy.
Objective case assessment enables criminal lawyers to play to their strengths while preempting prosecution attacks on weaknesses. Defendants briefing testimonies to ensure consistent responses without holes is key. Turning weaknesses into strengths is also an art.
Also Read: How to Choose a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Singapore?
Preparing extensively for trial allows for predicting questions that might be raised and answers that could trip up defendants. Coaching clients is imperative so mindsets and responses align with the agreed defence strategy for optimal outcomes.
Criminal trials involve intensely arguing back and forth between the defence and prosecution. A stellar criminal lawyer in Singapore has in-depth knowledge of similar trials and leverages precedents to their advantage. Making objections at precise moments can lead to evidence dismissal or a line of questioning shutdown.
Impactful evidence presentation requires understanding what resonates with judges and juries. Similarly, cross-examination preparation analyses what could stump or discredit witnesses. Both skills developed over years of courtroom experience.
The opening statement frames the defense’s key arguments while the closing statement reinforces reasonable doubt regarding the prosecution’s version of events. Gripping delivery and emphasising contradictions in the case can sway juries at these vital phases.
Before accepting or proceeding to full criminal trials, lawyers assess options of reduced charges or pleading guilty to limited crimes in return for lesser sentencing. Back-channel negotiations assess potential willingness to minimise risks for clients. Objective case strength evaluation precedes decisions.
The singular priority in negotiations with state prosecutors is achieving the best balanced outcome meeting the client’s interests across parameters of avoided jail time, fines levied, or black marks on records. Disposition without trial is the optimal scenario.
Sentencing frequently also has room for significant negotiation even after guilt is established. Defence submission of extenuating circumstances and highlighting positive behaviours can lead to reduced or conditional sentencing terms.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Singapore, you need expert advice from a criminal lawyer in Singapore.
Our top criminal lawyers in Singapore understand that criminal cases are frightening events that cause anxiety and stress to both you and your loved ones. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by police investigations and the legal system. You may feel like no one is listening to you and things start to feel hopeless. It doesn’t have to be that way.
We understand that there are always two sides to a story and we will always listen to you patiently and compassionately, without any judgement. We’ll help you get your life back on track quickly and smoothly. Our criminal defence lawyers in Singapore will fearlessly protect your rights and ensure that you receive justice. Contact Bishop Law Corp today!
What does a criminal lawyer do?
A criminal lawyer represents people and companies accused of crimes, advises them on legal options, and defends them in criminal court proceedings seeking to protect their rights.
What crimes do criminal lawyers handle?
They handle a wide range of criminal cases from minor misdemeanours to severe felonies including theft, DUI, battery, murder, white-collar financial crimes, and federal offences.
What are a criminal lawyer's main duties?
Their key duties are meeting clients to hear their side of the story, investigating case evidence and police reports, developing defence strategy arguments for trial, negotiating with prosecutors if applicable, and representing defendants in criminal court.
Disclaimer-The information presented here is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. It is provided as legal information to help you better understand criminal defence matters. To know more, get in touch with our team today!
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