Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defence Lawyer

If you have been charged with a crime, it is a wise move to talk to a lawyer right away. If you consider hiring a private criminal defence lawyer, you should know the processes so you can easily navigate through it. Even if your court date is a few days away, you should not be complacent because finding lawyers can take some time if you do not know where to start.

Finding the right lawyer is a daunting task because you need to consider many things. The first thing to consider is where to find Sydney criminal lawyers. The practical thing to do is ask for recommendations from friends. You can also check online, it is more convenient. Check if that particular lawyer offers free initial consultation. Take this opportunity to present your case by preparing all case-related paperwork.

It is important that you are comfortable with your lawyer. Once you narrowed down your choices, you have to ask the following questions:

What are their practice areas?

You should ask the lawyers about their practice areas. Are they devoted to criminal defence or not? If they are, you have greater chances of winning. You should know that there are lawyers that occasionally take a criminal case. It doesn’t mean that these lawyers are not capable to defend you but their experience can make a difference at the end of the day. It is always wise to choose someone with a specialty in criminal defence.

How many years of experience do they have?

The number of years will reflect the lawyer’s skill and knowledge. However, keep in mind that experience doesn’t always equate to best results. When you ask about their experience, it means finding out their niche areas. The criminal defence has many niche areas but choosing a lawyer that focuses on the charge that you are facing is beneficial.

Who will handle the case?

When you hire a lawyer who is a solo practitioner, you will be assured that he/she will work on your case no matter the circumstance. If you hire from a law firm, you should ask first hand who would handle your case. Sometimes there are many clients who are completely dissatisfied with the choice of a lawyer because it turned out that the lawyer they spoke to at first was not the same lawyer who represented them. It is crucial that you know who will handle your case before the court date.

How much is the pay?

To avoid any misunderstanding in the future, it is crucial that you first ask the fees before pursuing your case. There are lawyers that charge by the hour. This means that the lawyer will charge you based on the number of hours they spent working on the case. There are other lawyers who offer a flat rate. Flat rate is common in criminal cases – you just need to pay a set amount. It will also be good if you ask the lawyers if they anticipate further costs.

Asking these questions will surely help you make an informed decision. You will entrust your life to your lawyer so it is important that you choose the right one.