Choosing the best criminal lawyer who will be suited to your needs is a challenging but important task. Different lawyers and law firms specialize in different things, so it will generally be preferable to hire a criminal lawyer who regularly works in the area of criminal law that you are dealing with.
Consulting the accomplishments of a lawyer can be helpful in determining whether or not you are comfortable hiring them to represent you. It is best to look at the actual cases that the lawyer has been involved in to evaluate their successes and to see any areas of the law that they might be specialized in, rather than looking solely at advertising claims or anonymous google reviews.
Lawyers and law firms will generally provide summaries of cases that they have argued, and many will also share links to news articles or other interviews that they have been involved in.
Unlike other professions, once licensed, lawyers are able to practice in any area of the law that they choose. There are no separate licensing requirements to practice criminal, family, or corporate law, for example.
In the case of criminal defence, a complex area of the law that has remarkably high stakes for an accused, it would be naturally preferable for the majority of persons to choose a lawyer who practices regularly in the area and is specifically experienced with the type of matters that they are charged with. The more familiar the lawyer is with the specific laws in question, the more efficient they will be, and the better results they will produce!
Speak with your potential lawyer
Beyond qualifications, in order to hire a lawyer that is best suited for you it is important to take the time to meet with them and speak to them at greater length. A good lawyer client relationship is extremely important as your case moves through the legal system; you will want to work with someone who you feel you can turn to, without judgement, and trust to answer your questions and fight for your interests.
It is important to ask yourself these questions about your potential lawyer:
- Do I like my potential lawyer?
- Do we ‘click’?
- Do I feel comfortable with my potential lawyer?
While solicitor client privilege does protect you from your private information and conversations being disclosed to outsiders, this alone is generally not enough to feel completely comfortable in your relationship with your lawyer; what good is confidentiality if you are not comfortable enough to talk openly with your lawyer?
Questions to ask a lawyer before hiring them
In meeting with a lawyer that you are considering hiring, do not be afraid to ask them difficult questions. All of these questions can help you better understand your potential lawyer’s business practices and determine if they are compatible with the type of representation you are seeking. Some examples include:
- What experience do they have in your type of legal matter?
- Do they work as a solo practitioner, or do they work in a law firm?
- Will they be handling your case alone, or will someone else be assisting them?
- Will there be anyone else you will be in contact with in dealing with your matter, or will they only contact you directly?
- What are their fees, and how are they structured?
- How will they communicate with you?
The team at Collett Read is highly specialized in criminal law and the various criminal charges that come with it, working solely on criminal and regulatory matters.
Hiring a lawyer at Collett Read means that you will hire someone who is dedicated to and passionate about the rights of their clients, and will not stop short of aggressive defence. With a proven track record of success, and multiple media appearances and interviews, we can back up with evidence what we say.
At Collett Read not only will you have constant access to your lawyer, but also to our firm’s paralegals who are happy to speak to you about any logistical issues, who will have updated information about the progress of your case within the legal system, and who will be able to provide you with dates of any pre-trial meetings and motions. Your phone calls will not go unanswered, as we operate on a 24/7 basis.
At Collett Read we also take pride from working together. Your case and your defence will be considered from a variety of viewpoints to ensure that nothing is overlooked. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us show you why you will be in good hands.
