Finding a criminal defence lawyer shouldn’t be difficult for someone in dire need. However, the process can be challenging. If you’ve ever used Google and entered a query such as “criminal defence lawyer near me,” you might have noticed that not all lawyers are the same. Selecting the best course of action for your circumstances is quite essential. But not every lawyer will be the best fit for you and your circumstances.
It’s critical to ask the right questions to determine whether the lawyer you’re considering hiring can assist you in getting the best outcome possible. At Slaferek Law, we have a group of skilled and experienced criminal defence lawyers who can assist you with offences ranging from domestic violence and sexual assault to cases involving fraud and theft.
The following list contains the key questions you should ask a criminal defence lawyer during your meeting.
How Long Have You Been Practicing Criminal Law?
Experience is essential when representing a client in criminal proceedings. Having a lawyer who has been in practice for a long time and has successfully represented many clients has many benefits.
An experienced lawyer with extensive knowledge of the Canadian criminal code can give you accurate guidance on what to anticipate at every stage of the legal process. He or she will also be able to foresee the tactics or actions of the prosecution, which they can use to help develop a powerful defence strategy.
A criminal defence lawyer needs to have the right kinds of experience and specialization in different criminal defence services in addition to years of experience. For instance, many lawyers represent clients in criminal cases in addition to other legal work. Make sure your lawyer is a recognized expert in criminal law who can give your case their undivided attention.
What Are Your Academic And Professional Qualifications?
As with anyone else you hire for a job, you want to make sure your criminal lawyer has the necessary academic and professional credentials. You can tell if your legal counsel is reliable by asking them questions like “What legal school did you graduate from?” and “Which administrative or professional organization do you belong to?”
If your lawyer has ever been accused of or penalized for professional misconduct, you might also want to find out about that. If you want your lawyer to represent you in court, they must be well-respected, experienced, and have the right qualifications and specializations.
Also Read: Five Traits To Look For When Hiring A Criminal Defence Lawyer
Is Your Practice Primarily Focused On Criminal Law?
Any lawyer with a law license is technically permitted to represent anyone in any kind of case throughout the country, unlike doctors, who typically train and concentrate on a specific area of medicine. This is why you will frequently find lawyers who work in the area of “general practice,” i.e., a lawyer who tries to do everything.
In addition, many lawyers’ websites will promote a variety of unique practice areas, such as divorce, criminal defence, and mediation. You need a criminal defence lawyer who specializes in criminal law when your freedom, future, and reputation are at stake. Look for a legal representative whose entire career is dedicated to the practice of criminal law.
How Much Is The Legal Fee?
Many people get deeply concerned about money and legal expenses when hiring a criminal lawyer. Finding an experienced lawyer who can assist you with your criminal case is essential, but you also don’t want to commit to one whose fee structure would put you in financial jeopardy.
If your attorney refuses to provide a clear answer to the question, “How much will this cost?” you should be concerned. Criminal lawyer’s fees are calculated in a variety of ways. Some charge a deposit, which is then deducted from an hourly rate. These agreements could come as a complete surprise, and your overall cost might change significantly.
What Is Your Success Rate?
Making sure your criminal lawyer has experience representing clients in situations similar to yours is a good place to start. Still, you’ll want to hire a lawyer who is likely to get you a favourable outcome. Although each case and client are unique, you should hire a lawyer who has a good track record of getting the best results for their clients.
About Slaferek Law
Drawing from our decades of experience and incomparable grip over provincial and federal laws, we stand as the sole highly sought-after criminal defence lawyers in Edmonton. Learn more about Slaferek Law. Need a diligent criminal lawyer to defend your case? Contact us now.
