Have you or a loved one been charged with a crime? Are you nervous and overwhelmed at the prospect of navigating the justice system and the potential outcome? To alleviate these feelings, you need a good criminal defence lawyer.
An experienced lawyer can help you understand the process, advise of your rights, and lay out a case strategy that will be most beneficial to you. You shouldn't hire the first person you encounter, though.
There are certain things you should look for when hiring a lawyer. Read on to learn more about the factors you should consider when choosing a lawyer.
Trial Experience
If you choose to plead not guilty, your case will go to trial. If this happens, you'll want a lawyer who has trial experience. If your lawyer is not able to negotiate an acceptable plea bargain, you want someone who will fight for you in court.
If your lawyer doesn't have trial experience, you may be left scrambling if the case goes to trial. You don't want to find out during the trial that your lawyer is inexperienced and ineffective in the courtroom.
Most lawyers will provide a free consultation. When you speak with them, ask them about how many cases they've taken to trial and how many cases they've won.
References and Reviews
Most people won't purchase something as trivial as a shirt or new pair of shoes without reading online reviews, so why should a criminal defence lawyer be any different? This person could be the deciding factor between a not guilty verdict or time in prison, so you want someone who comes highly recommended.
Ask friends and family for any recommendations they may have and then do your research. Read online reviews, learn more about the lawyer's qualifications, and research whether they have any complaints or grievances filed against them or have been disciplined by the bar association.
Their Responsiveness
Time is of the essence when you've been charged with a crime. A lawyer who is difficult to get in touch with or takes days to return your calls or emails doesn't inspire a lot of confidence that they will be responsive when it's time to go to court.
If your lawyer is only available to you right before your court appearances, you should choose a different lawyer. You want someone who is accessible to you and responsive to your questions and responds in a reasonable amount of time.
Experience With Your Type of Case
Whether you've been charged with a sexual offence, drug offence or impaired driving, you need a defence lawyer. However, you should hire one who has experience with your particular crime.
A lawyer who has never handled a violent crime case, for example, may not be the best choice if you've been charged with assault or another violent crime.
What to Look for in a Criminal Defence Lawyer
A criminal defence lawyer is not the place to try to cut costs or hire someone without experience. You need a lawyer who is an expert in handling your type of case and has experience taking a case to trial. You need to trust this person with your life, particularly if the potential sentence outcomes could include time in prison.
If you are in need of a defence lawyer, contact us today. We handle drug, driving, and violent offences as well as bail hearings and federal cases.