Considerations for Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are involved in a criminal problem, you are going to need a a legal representative who will bail you out of your situation. This is hardly the time to compromise. You should get the best to represent you. So, how are you to find prospects? These are what you have to consider.
Qualifications
Qualifications are important for two reasons: you want to ensure that the divorce attorney Edmonton AB knows the law completely so that they will be able to see how they can pull you out of the situation; and you want to see to it that the lawyer is qualified to practice where the proceedings will be conducted. At least, you need to know if the criminal lawyer you want to hire has actually passed the bar examination.
Expertise
Criminal law is a highly delicate field. Qualification by itself will not be sufficient. The criminal defense lawyer Edmonton AB must possess the right type of expertise. Find out how many years the attorney has been practicing the profession. Also, ask if the lawyer if he has special expertise in the legal area you need help with. Someone who has mostly worked with people charged with drunk driving aren't probably the perfect choice for an individual who is charged with manslaughter. Therefore, you have to see if your prospect devotes at least 95% of his work handling cases like yours.
Success Rate
Make it a point to check the attorney's success record with his previous cases. Certainly, they must have a good win/loss record. Of course, any attorney's success rate or track record is not a guarantee that you will win or lose your case, but it sure paints a good picture of what this lawyer can do.
Compatibility and Rapport
Another main consideration in selecting a criminal lawyer is the rapport you have with the professional. In the simplest terms, you need to like your lawyer. You have to trust the person. Remember, it may be necessary for you to reveal to them some very personal, sensitive or perhaps even embarrassing details about your life as part of your defense strategy. If trust is absent, the whole process can be compromised, which means you may lose because of this. Very importantly, pay attention to whether or not the lawyer sincerely hears you out as you talk. This is vital to your strategy's success.
The Plan
Each lawyer has a unique plan of action, otherwise known as a strategy, in handling cases. Ask your prospect about this, and make sure you are comfortable with their plans.
Costs
Legal representation is not cheap so definitely, the costs are something you have to give some serious consideration. Lawyers may charge hourly or by the minute, or they may charge a fixed fee. In any case, you need to talk about pricing at the start, eliminating any ambiguities.
