A criminal defense lawyer defends a person who has been charged with a crime. A criminal lawyer speaks on behalf of the client. Either the defendant or the court may assign the case to a criminal lawyer. A lot of them are public defenders, who are appointed by the public defender's office. Also, many private firms are known to hire criminal defense lawyers too. There are professional criminal lawyers in Mumbai who have been playing a pivotal role by helping their clients present their case or present a defense.

What are the advantages of hiring a defense attorney?

Hiring a professional can help in multiple ways. They have ample training to analyse cases and pieces of evidence for errors, weaknesses and potential criminal defence strategies, which they can use for reduction of charges, case dismissal or preventing a case from being filed. The advice of an experienced counsel proves helpful for the following reasons.

1. Professionally evaluates the charges and evidence

2. Stop charges before they are even filed

3. Recommends an appropriate defence strategy

4. Negotiates a plea bargain

5. Helps with the emotional aspects of trials

6. Provides an objective insight into how the process works

7. Creates awareness on laws and legal rules that apply to the particular case

8. Represents the case in the court

9. Understands how "prosecutorial discretion" affects the specific criminal case

10. Compiles evidence and witness statements which are crucial to the case

11. Hires private investigators

12. Identifies key expert witnesses

13. Advises and negotiates the best sentencing /alternative sentencing options

14. Explains and identifies any hidden consequences of a guilty plea

Can a person get a bail, if he or she is accused of a non-bailable offence?

Yes, he/she can get a bail. The person has to apply for a bail in the Sessions Court or the High Court. However, getting a bail depends on the seriousness of the case and also at the discretion of the court. It is hence always a good idea to hire one of the lawyers for criminal cases who knows it all.

Can an anticipatory bail be cancelled?

The court levies a couple of terms and conditions while granting an anticipatory bail to the accused. If the person does not follow them, the court has full rights to cancel the anticipatory bail. Request for cancellation of the bail can be made by the police or the opponent party on the event of a violation of the directions imposed by the court. Learn more on this from lawyers for anticipatory bail.

Can the accused travel abroad after getting an anticipatory bail?

There are certain restrictions imposed by the court when it grants an anticipatory bail. This includes a restriction on travelling abroad. The court can seize the passport of the accused while granting an anticipatory bail to prevent the person from absconding. However, if the accused is able to furnish proper reasons to the satisfaction of the court, the court may grant the person to travel abroad in special cases or under exceptional circumstances.

Can the police arrest someone when the person has been granted anticipatory bail?

No, the police cannot arrest the person unless he or she violates the directions of the court or does not attend the proceedings of the court or does not help police during the interrogation round.

Can a female refuse to be searched by a male police officer?

Yes, if the accused is a female, she can always refuse to be searched by a male police officer.

Can one be detained in police custody?

Yes, one can be detained in police custody. However, the police officer making an application to detain the person will have to take complete responsibility for the individual's safety and decent custody.

If one is asked to go to the police station for questioning; does he or she need to go?

The person can politely refuse to appear at the police station or deny answering the questions. However, if the police believe that a crime has been committed, they may get a warrant for the arrest of the individual. Hence, contacting one of the criminal lawyers Mumbai has is the best thing one should do.

What is white collar crime?

A non-violent financial crime that involves fraud or any type of dishonesty committed in the commercial or business context is referred to as a white collar crime. Some of the common examples of a white collar crime are tax evasion, insider trading, wire or securities fraud, etc.

How much will it cost to hire a criminal lawyer?

The cost would vary from one criminal lawyer to another depending on a number of factors such as the type of charge, the facts of the case, the experience of the lawyer, the complexity of the legal issues, the seriousness of the offence, whether the case goes to the trial, etc. Some may charge a single fee for an entire case. Some may charge a fee at different stages of the case. A lot of criminal lawyers provide a free initial consultation so that they can assess the case.

Please Note: The charges mentioned above are indicative and may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions