Defendants have a great amount at stake when they are suspected of a crime or handed down charges that threaten their livelihood.

From jail sentences, community services, financial penalties or restrictions on driving or visiting family members, criminal lawyers are hired to mitigate against this risk and ideally win the case outright.

When it comes to the selection criteria, many citizens will make impulsive choices, calls made on convenience or settling on an option that looks good on the surface.

Here we will offer a series of helpful tips that will allow a defendant to identify a solicitor in the field of criminal law that will be most appropriate for their situation.

Strong Advocate For Client Rights

Passion and strength of conviction are two key characteristics that work in favour of criminal lawyers. If they have been caught up in a criminal matter with allegations of domestic abuse, fraud, manslaughter or negligence, they have the right to defend themselves. This is particularly the case for refugees or minority groups where various associations and legal bodies will offer their counsel because they believe it is in the public’s interest. That will not apply across the board, but there is always the chance that a local attorney will feel invested in a case based on a moral obligation.

Punctual With Appointments and Communication

An eye for detail is everything in the justice system. Judges and jury members will respond well to criminal lawyers who communicate effectively, choose their words carefully and show up on time ready to present the findings of their case in a clear and concise manner. This is where punctuality with court appointments and the capacity to articulate a position become core components of a sound practitioner, each one a tenant of a trustworthy and suitable representative.

Flexible With Costs and Billing Policy

According to O’Sullivan Mediation clients who are boxed into a bill that has been issued by criminal lawyers can find it crippling to try and payback. Even if they have been handed a suitable outcome by a judge or jury, the fees that have accumulated over the span of weeks and months ensures that the belt has to be tightened and investments have to be let go to subsidize the legal battle. Here is where a suitable firm will offer certain incentives and flexibilities to alleviate the financial burden. They can institute a mixture of flat fees, hourly rates, contingency fees, retainers or offered pro bono, a rare occurrence that is only offered under unique circumstances.

Comfortable Setting Boundaries and Saying No

Criminal lawyers are in place to represent the interests of the client first and foremost. However, if the defendant is making unusual or erroneous requests that are either outside the law or not in their best interests, then the appropriate conduct is to say no and strongly advise against those calls. This is not a simple transaction where the customer is always right. Given the height of the stakes and the amount of education and expertise necessary to operate as a legal representative, they have to be comfortable in setting the boundaries to outline what is acceptable, what avenues are possible and what lines cannot be crossed under any conditions, from witness tampering to submitting false testimony or laundering money.

Highly Respected Amongst Peers

Nobody can make a judgment on the credibility and competence level of criminal lawyers like themselves. If their peers hold them in high esteem and can vouch for their credentials handling a case of this magnitude, then a client can be satisfied that they have a savvy operator overseeing their matter. Of course, other individuals and outsiders can make their own calls, but it will be those professionals inside the industry who have the inside track.

Leave a Reply

Notify of