Choose Your Own Calgary Defence Lawyer Through Legal Aid
Legal Aid is a service that provides legal advice and legal representation to Calgary citizens who are unable to afford a lawyer's services on their own. It's your Charter right to be represented by a lawyer any time you face a criminal charge, and Legal Aid helps to make that more affordable for those in Calgary who may be struggling financially.
Many who use Legal Aid don't realize that they still have options, and a hand in their own defence. Legal Aid will help you find a lawyer you're comfortable with, if you need, but you are actually entitled to consult with your own lawyers and select your own representation, as well. You'll work with Legal Aid to ensure your lawyer is compensated for their time, and you'll work with the lawyer of your choice on your defence.
It's easier than you might think.
You Can Contact a Calgary Defence Lawyer BEFORE You Call Legal Aid
Only Legal Aid can tell you if you meet their eligibility requirements, and only after filing your official application with Legal Aid will you be able to learn what the service will provide. Depending on your financial situation and the crime(s) you've been charged with, you may be entitled to only partial payment of your legal fees, meaning you'll need to pay the difference, or Legal Aid might cover the full cost of your defence. If Legal Aid determines that you have enough financial resources for your own defence, or that the offences you have been charged with aren't serious, they may deny aid.
But before you contact Legal Aid, you can contact a Calgary defence lawyer you trust and secure their services. That means you'll be prepared to tell Legal Aid who your lawyer is from the outset, which can make the process more efficient. It also means your lawyer can help you with your Legal Aid application, and can guide you through the full defence process to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.
Choosing your own lawyer rather than having Calgary's Legal Aid office choose one for you gives you the greatest possible choice and control over your defence. You want to find a lawyer you are comfortable with, someone who takes the time to explain your options and help you select the right defence strategy for you, and who you are confident has the knowledge and experience you need for a successful defence. Finding the right lawyer is the first step in putting your charges behind you and moving on with your life; even if you're using Legal Aid, you still have the right to select your own legal counsel.
FREE Consultation with a Leading Calgary Defence Lawyer
If you or your family member has been charged with a serious crime in Calgary, cost shouldn't prevent you from getting the defence you deserve. To discuss your case and learn more about how Legal Aid can help you secure the lawyer of your choice, please contact my office for a free initial consultation.