When should I hire a lawyer for my criminal case?
March 30, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Lukas Schlüter
Dear lawyer,
my name is Leon Fuchs and I have a question regarding my ongoing criminal proceedings. A few weeks ago, I was involved in a physical altercation in which the other party was seriously injured. The police subsequently arrested me and initiated an investigation against me. I am currently out on bail, but the investigation is ongoing and I am very concerned about the potential consequences.
I am wondering when the right time is to hire a lawyer for my criminal case. Should I start looking for legal representation now, even though the investigations are not yet complete? Or is it better to wait until further steps are taken by the prosecutor's office?
I fear that without legal support in this complicated process, I may not be adequately protected and my rights may not be fully respected. At the same time, I do not want to unnecessarily spend money on a lawyer if there are still possibilities to go through the proceedings without legal assistance.
Can you please advise me on when the right time is to hire a lawyer for my criminal case and what advantages an early appointment of a lawyer could bring? I thank you in advance for your expert advice.
Sincerely,
Leon Fuchs
Dear Mr. Fuchs,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your ongoing criminal proceedings. It is understandable that you are concerned about the possible consequences and are considering whether and when you should engage a lawyer. In a criminal case, it is generally advisable to seek legal assistance early on to protect your rights as best as possible and ensure a proper defense.
The timing of when you should hire a lawyer depends on various factors. In your case, since the investigations are already underway and a preliminary investigation has been initiated against you, it is generally recommended to seek legal support as early as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you during the investigation phase, protect your rights against the police and prosecution, and possibly prepare for an interrogation summons with you.
By engaging a lawyer early on, potential mistakes that could negatively impact the proceedings can be avoided. Your lawyer can also advise you on how to best conduct yourself and what information you are allowed to disclose. Additionally, a lawyer can request access to the case files to assess the evidence and tailor the defense strategy accordingly.
It is important to emphasize that engaging a lawyer not only ensures your right to defense but also helps minimize potential negative impacts on your personal and professional life. A criminal proceeding can be lengthy and burdensome, so it is advisable to seek professional support from the beginning.
Overall, it is advisable in your case to engage a lawyer for your criminal proceedings now to be best prepared for the next steps and effectively defend your rights. I recommend that you promptly contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for individual advice and support.
I hope this assessment has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Lukas Schlüter, Attorney at Law
