How Can I Find the Best Criminal Lawyer For Me?
Finding the right lawyer can be a difficult and time consuming process. If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Ontario, chances are that you are stressed about countless other things, but hiring the right lawyer is one of the most important things you have to do.
It is normal to feel anxious about the process, as there is a lot riding on the outcome of your case. To help you through this decision, we have put together a list of six traits that you should look for in a criminal defence lawyer.
1. Honesty
You need to ensure that the lawyer you chose to represent you will be open and honest with you. Honesty starts with how a lawyer outlines his/her defence strategy and fees. To avoid being hit with bills you don’t expect, make sure that you hire a lawyer who will enter into a retainer agreement that outlines the exact amount you will be required to pay. Retainer agreements are the most honest and effective way to hire legal representation, and they allow you to effectively plan ahead.
Choose a lawyer who is honest about the potential outcomes of your particular case. Anyone who can guarantee you anything but doing their best to get the results you’re looking for should not be trusted. Any lawyer that guarantees a win should be questioned extensively about that guarantee.
2. Experience
The value of an experienced criminal defence lawyer cannot be overstated. It is critical to find a lawyer to represent you that has both experience in the legal area relevant to you and experience in the region where you were charged. There is tremendous value in having a lawyer who knows what to expect in court. An experienced lawyer will know the judges, the Crown prosecutors and the other important players in the area. They will also have experience trying cases with facts very similar to the facts in your own case.
3. Collaboration
No matter how good an individual criminal defence lawyer is, it is always better to find a lawyer that works with a team. In criminal defence cases, as with everything else, there is strength in numbers. When different lawyers go over the details of your case, you get the benefit of different input and recommendations. This cooperation between lawyers can often lead to you getting the best possible result in your case. Just make sure that the lawyer you talk to is the lawyer that will actually be doing the work on your case.
4. Accessibility
Going through a criminal defence case is often a difficult process, and it is vital that you have clear lines of communication with your lawyer. Too often, an accused person finds it nearly impossible to get in touch with their lawyer. Remember, your lawyer works for you! Try to find an attorney that will return calls promptly and provide case progress at any time.
5. Past Success
When you are looking for a criminal defence lawyer, you want someone who has a history of success in the legal area that is relevant to your case. One way to gauge the past success of a lawyer is to review testimonials and past case results. If a lawyer doesn’t supply this information on their website or in other materials, that should raise some red flags. Competent and trial-tested lawyers will have no problem showing you examples of what they have accomplished for clients in the past.
6. Written Legal Information
Just as university and college professors are often measured by the quality (and quantity) of their articles, books, and other publications, so are lawyers. The lawyer you want to represent you should be knowledgeable and passionate enough about his/her area of law to contribute to the growth and study of the law. The best lawyers will have published articles, legal blogs or even books that you can read and evaluate.
For more information and tips on how to find the right lawyer for you, click here. Remember, finding an experienced criminal defence lawyer to take on your case will help you understand what you’re up against. A skilled lawyer can make all the difference in helping you deal with your criminal charge.
