The criminal justice system can be complicated and cumbersome when prosecuting or defending a criminal case. To win your case, it’s critical that you get the proper representation in a court of law and other related processes.
Yet getting the right lawyer is arguably one of the most crucial steps in a criminal case proceeding. In fact, do keep in mind that having a great criminal lawyer to act on your behalf goes beyond representation in court.
To help you out in selecting a criminal attorney, here are factors to consider before hiring a criminal lawyer:
Location
Hiring a local criminal lawyer with established local connections will be wise. The lawyer will be conversant with local procedures and have a relationship with the judges, prosecutors, and other court staff. They’ll know how each court operates and have inside information that an outsider will not be privy to. Equipped with first-hand information and knowledge of the inner workings of the local court, they’ll be in a better position to strategize ways of winning your case.
Besides being qualified, a criminal lawyer based in your locality will also cut unnecessary traveling costs. For instance, getting criminal lawyers like Criminal Law Group practicing in Liverpool will work to your advantage if you’re situated in Liverpool.
Reputation
While most law firms tout their lawyers’ prowess in court and level of experience, reputation is also important. You want a lawyer with integrity who doesn’t cut corners. One you’ll trust to protect your rights and make the right decisions on your behalf. It’s, therefore, imperative to know what people are saying about the lawyers.
What’s the criminal attorney’s reputation? Do they uphold strong moral principles? You can read online reviews and check their ratings and references from their website or other online resources. It’s said that a good reputation is tantamount to trustworthiness.
Legal Experience
An experienced criminal lawyer is one who has an abundance of knowledge in line with the criminal case you’re seeking representation. You don’t want to fall into the hands of a lawyer who specializes in vehicular collision cases and rarely handles criminal matters.
You want to be represented by a lawyer specializing in and handling cases like yours. They should have a track record that matches your needs. Find out how long they’ve been in practice and their success rate. This will give you an idea of the lawyer’s ability to handle your case.
Availability
When it comes to criminal cases, time is of the essence. You don’t want a lawyer who’ll take your initial call and take over your case but later become too busy or inaccessible. Your criminal lawyer should be able to answer your questions promptly, keep you updated every step of the way, and arrange meetings. You can gauge their future availability by how quickly they answer your call or email.
Affordability Of Legal Services
Lawyers charge fees according to their level of experience, complexity, nature, jurisdiction, and duration of a case, among other factors. Typically, a more experienced lawyer will charge more than one who’s just started practicing. That shouldn’t be a reason for a lawyer to charge beyond and above what their peers are charging.
You should, nonetheless, also note that the least expensive lawyer isn’t always the best. A more experienced lawyer with higher hourly rates may be able to solve your case faster than a less experienced one with lower rates. Try to strike a balance between experience and reasonable fees when choosing a criminal lawyer. Some offer affordable billing and payment options.
Ease Of Communication
Your relationship with your lawyer during the pendency of the criminal case will be crucial.
It’s recommended that you get a lawyer that you’re comfortable talking to. Find an attorney who’ll break down the legal jargon contained in legal documents and explain things in a manner you can clearly understand. One who’ll take you through the phases of a criminal case to the end.
The easiest way to form an impression is by taking advantage of the initial free consultation law firms offer. Gauge whether or not the lawyer is attentive, makes you feel at ease, and is empathetic towards your situation.
A good lawyer-client relationship can significantly impact a case’s outcome.
Conclusion
When looking for a criminal lawyer, investing the time and effort to find the right one will be worth it. Criminal charges have far-reaching consequences that should not be left to chance. Choosing a reputable and knowledgeable criminal lawyer to act for you may be one of the most important decisions you ever make. And when you’ve found one that ticks all the boxes, trust and follow your instincts.
