Repeat offenders
There are two categories of alleged offenders. The first category comprise repeat offenders – individuals who are known to police and the courts and are aware of the processes involved to deal with the charges. These individuals are so used to repeated encounters with the criminal justice system their ability to navigate the system appears to be driven by entrenched behaviour.
First time offenders
The second category comprise individuals who have not had any experience with the police – let alone been charged – criminal courts, prosecutors and criminal defence lawyers. These individuals, who will eventually enter pleas of not guilty, represent 100% of client base at Criminal Lawyers Perth.
Mental health awareness
With little or no understanding of what lies ahead our clients experience great unease at one end of the mental spectrum and anxiety and depressions at the other end. It is such a problem that We always recommend them to see their GP to find out what could be prescribed to ease their stress.
When these clients are found not guilty after trial or the prosecution decides to withdraw the case there often remains serious psychological damage for years to come.
Legal cornerstones
A person charged with a criminal offence has the right to silence, presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. These are legal cornerstones. However, more is required to keep first time alleged offenders on an even mental keel.
Our response to the problem is to ensure that our clients are kept up to date every step of the way in which their matter is proceedings. We put in the extra effort to email or telephone our client to ensure that they understand where they are in the system and where their matter is heading.
The provision to the client of all information as can be reasonably provide at the time helps client’s navigate the courts with some ease of mind.
