The sooner you seek legal advice, the better the outcome

Don’t wait to call.

Calling a lawyer right away can make a huge difference.  By having the right advice I may be able to help you avoid being arrested and charged altogether, I can certainly give you advice to make sure you don’t make your position worse.

You don’t have to wait for the police, Serious Fraud Office or some other investigator to come looking for you.  Contact me now and I can help you to take control of the situation.

By consulting a lawyer at the earliest opportunity you can make informed decisions and protect your position.

Remember that the consequences of speaking to a police officer or other investigator without legal advice can have a major, and permanent impact on your life and on your family members.

Expert legal help is your best option

You shouldn’t take any steps without being fully informed.  The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 entitles you to consult with a lawyer without delay if arrested or detained, you should always make use of that right.

There are many ways that consulting with a lawyer can help you:

  • Giving you informed advice about defences that may be available, and your chances of a successful defence
  • Negotiating a plea arrangement where the evidence is strong
  • Requesting further information to support your defence
  • Instructing expert witnesses to assist with the defence case

I regularly work with experts including medical professionals, forensic scientists, interpreters and translators and private investigators to ensure that the strongest possible defence is advanced for my clients.

Seek legal advice today

Don’t lose hope.  Even if you think you might be guilty, there are many ways that I can help.  In addition to reviewing your case and spelling out your options, I will help you to navigate the complex legal justice system.

You don’t have to go through this alone.  Get an expert on your side. My team and I are available to defend your criminal prosecution or investigation.

Can I represent myself in Court?

Whilst you can represent yourself in Court if you choose to, I do not recommend it.

A person who represents him or herself is automatically at a disadvantage.  Unless you have had an education in criminal law it is likely that the prosecutor will know more about the legal system than you do.

You probably won’t be familiar with the technical processes followed in Court and may not be able to identify deficiencies in your case.  These deficiencies could be your defence and could lead to you being found not guilty, but only if someone identifies them.

My team and work exclusively defending criminal prosecutions and representing people who are being investigated for criminal offences.  We are in courtrooms across New Zealand on a daily basis, attending police station interviews and challenging the cases prosecutors present against our clients.

You can play a big part in preparing your defence, just make sure you have a lawyer involved so that you can benefit from our experience and training.

There are a variety of ways in which a lawyer can help to improve the outcome of your case.

Hiring a lawyer levels the playing field

Criminal law is a complex mix of statute, common law and precedents (past decisions by the court) and procedure (rules and regulations). You deserve the best outcome possible, but do you have the expertise and knowledge to get it on your own?

If your case proceeds to trial, your guilt or innocence will be decided by a judge who is an expert in criminal laws and courtroom procedure, or by a jury which is directed by an experienced trial judge. A crown prosecutor, also a legal expert, will present the evidence against you to the judge or jury.  Do you want to be the only person in the room who is not trained in criminal law?

You should have an expert of your own. Your experienced criminal defence lawyer will look out for your rights and interests. Some of a lawyers roles include:

  • Analysing the evidence against you for weaknesses
  • Determining if your rights have been violated
  • Determining if any defences are available to you
  • Negotiating a plea bargain
  • Preparing for and conducting your trial
  • Arguing for the most favourable sentence possible, if you are convicted.

You don’t have the skills to do all this on your own.  You need an experienced criminal defence lawyer to ensure that you get the best possible result for your case.

Criminal penalties are severe

Being found guilty can have a big impact on your life.

Without a lawyer can you be sure what the worst case outcome is going to be?

Being found guilty could mean a penalty ranging from a conviction and discharge through to imprisonment.

Is it worth the risk to avoid the cost of legal fees?  The cost of a conviction is too high.

You need to have an expert on your side.

Don’t wait.  The sooner you speak to an experienced criminal defence lawyer the better.  Call Shane Tait today.

When is The Best Time to Seek Legal Advice?

How do you know when you need to talk to a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, or even if the police have just asked to speak to you in connection with a crime, the time to call a lawyer is NOW.

Don’t wait.

Contact my office for legal advice today on 09 308 9446 or 09 263 0453.

The earlier you speak with a lawyer, the better.  I can help a lot more if you involve me early.

Call a lawyer today and have an expert on your team.