Family Law is complex and there are numerous factors to consider when commencing your application such as your relationships, family dynamics and finances. Further, family disputes can be incredibly emotional and challenging. Hiring a lawyer will help alleviate the burden of having to learn complex legal language and processes. With BM Law, you can be confident knowing an experienced lawyer is zealously advocating for your interests and rights.

It is very important to get legal advice at the earliest opportunity possible and especially before you interact with the police or opposing counsel. However, if you have already made some of your appearances in court, but find yourself lost in the process, it is never too late to hire a criminal or family lawyer. Hiring a lawyer is among the wisest and most important decisions you can make to ensure that the devastating effects of a criminal conviction are alleviated or minimized, and that your family law settlement or order is in your favour.

Every person charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent and has a right to a trial. Though they may choose to plead guilty, by doing so, they are admitting responsibility for the alleged offences and giving up the right to a trial. However, given the complexity of such a decision, the decision to plead guilty or go to trial, is best made with the assistance of an experienced criminal defence lawyer. There are several factors that must be considered before pleading guilty to any criminal charge. Such factors include whether Crown Counsel can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, your chances of succeeding at trial, the sentence imposed by the court if you plead guilty before trial as opposed to the potential sentence if you are found guilty after trial, the consequences of a conviction, as well as the cost of trial. Traditionally, a guilty plea is seen by the courts as a mitigating factor at a sentencing hearing. By pleading guilty, the accused takes responsibility, shows a sign of remorse and saves substantial court resources that would have otherwise been required at trial. This means that the courts are slightly more lenient in sentencing if there is a guilty plea. However, this does not mean courts will impose an extra penalty for going to trial. If you are considering pleading guilty, it is important that you understand the case against you and are aware of the rights you are giving up.

One of the many benefits of hiring a lawyer is that they can appear in court on your behalf for the majority of your appearances. This saves you time and frustration. For Criminal Law matters, you may be able to sign a Counsel Designation Notice to allow your lawyer to appear for you in most instances. Similarly, many Family Law matters end in out-of-court settlements through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.

Yes, we act in both privately funded and legal aid cases for both criminal and family law matters.

At BM Law, we believe no person should be without representation. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for legal aid. Call us today to learn more.

All across British Columbia.