Criminal Defence Attorneys Paarl
Criminal defence in Paarl and Wellington. Bail applications, court appearances, trials, sentencing and representations to the prosecution.
- After hours
- Reachable for an arrest
- Courts
- District, Regional and High
- First consultation
- Free
How a criminal matter proceeds
Initial consultation
Confidential. We go through the allegations, look at whatever documentation exists, and explain the charges, the possible consequences and your rights.
Case assessment
We examine the facts and available evidence, then advise you clearly on your options, the defences available to you, and what to expect from the court process.
Bail application
If you are in custody, we can represent you at a bail application, preparing the evidence and the legal argument for your release while the matter is pending.
Court appearances
We represent you at every court appearance, dealing with the disclosure of evidence, postponements, plea discussions, and preparation for trial.
Trial
If the matter proceeds to trial, we prepare thoroughly by reviewing the State’s evidence, consulting with witnesses, preparing our arguments, and cross-examining the witnesses called by the State.
Judgment and sentencing
The Magistrate delivers judgment. If there is a conviction, the court then considers sentence after hearing evidence in mitigation and aggravation. We ensure that all relevant mitigating factors are properly placed before the court.
Why people choose us
Rooted in Paarl
Marlo Laubscher grew up in Paarl and came back to practise here. We know the local courts, the Municipality and the Deeds Office, and they know us.
A boutique firm, deliberately
Three people and one office. You deal with the attorney handling your matter, for as long as the matter needs.
The first consultation is free
Every service, no exceptions. Find out where you stand before committing to anything.
What to do next
- Phone the office as early as you can. The first days matter most.
- Bring your charge sheet, bail conditions or court date if you have them.
- The first consultation is free.
Sit down with the person who will actually handle your matter. The first consultation costs you nothing, and you will leave knowing where you stand.
Book Free Consultation
Your first consultation is free
Tell us what you are dealing with and we will tell you honestly whether we can help,
what it is likely to cost and how long it should take. No obligation either way.
Questions our clients ask us
Can I reach you after hours?
Yes. Arrests can happen at night or over weekends, and we are available outside normal office hours. Call our office numbers and you will be put through to the appropriate person.
Should I make a statement to the police?
Not before you have spoken to an attorney. You are entitled to legal advice before making any statement, and what is said in the early stages without proper advice can often cause the greatest difficulty later.
Which courts do you appear in?
Paarl and Wellington, in both the District and Regional Courts, and we take High Court criminal matters as well.
What happens at a bail application?
If you are in custody, we prepare the evidence and legal argument supporting your release while the case is pending, and represent you at the hearing.
Does every case go to trial?
No. Negotiating with the prosecution and making written representations are part of the process, and some matters can be resolved without proceeding to trial.
What happens if I am convicted?
The court considers an appropriate sentence after hearing evidence in mitigation and aggravation. Putting the mitigating factors properly before the court is a substantial part of the defence.
It is a first offence. Do I really need an attorney?
A conviction carries consequences well beyond the sentence itself. Representation from the earliest stage protects your rights and gives you the best prospect of a favourable outcome.
Find us in Paarl
- Address
- 7 Pastorie Avenue, Paarl, 7646
- Hours
- Monday to Friday08:00 to 16:30
- Saturday and SundayClosed
- Telephone
- 021 872 0215
Related matters we handle
- Prosecution arising from failure to pay maintenance
- Prosecution arising from contempt of court
- Domestic violence related criminal charges
- Domestic violence in the context of a divorce