[troutman]

^Slava: I think I've read statistics that an accused is guilty of what they have been charged with over 97% of the time in fact, if not in law. So, "did you do it" is not normally a discussion a lawyer has to have with their client. When a conviction is clear, the lawyer's role is to get the best possible sentence for the client.

The vast majority of criminal cases do not go to trial, and are dealt with by plea bargain. In cases that go to trial, it is the lawyer's role to poke holes in the Crown's case. You have to establish a mere reasonable doubt. You review the circumstances to see what defences are available - charter violations, evidentiary problems, holes in the witnesses story, identification, intent. If the verdict is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you are looking for avenues of appeal, or you are trying to get the best sentence you can for the accused.