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5 Tips for Hiring A Criminal Defence Lawyer

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Facing criminal charges is the last thing anyone wants to do. Sometimes, even if you didn’t commit a crime, you could be involved in legal proceedings and criminal cases. The longer it drags out, the more difficult things get. Reducing your stress during this time of crisis is ideal and hiring an experienced Edmonton criminal defence lawyer is the number one way to take off some of the pressure for you or your loved ones. Included here are some tips for hiring an experienced criminal defence lawyer to achieve the best possible legal outcomes for your case and protect your rights every step of the way.

1. Recognize that your chance of success increases when you are represented by a lawyer.

You may want to consider going at a legal proceeding on your own, due to reasons such as cost or not trusting the legal profession; however, it is very important to recognize that an experienced criminal defence lawyer will have the knowledge necessary to present the best case possible. Their connections, expertise and history as a lawyer can all impact what they bring before the court in your defence - things which most regular people don’t know or have access to. A well-trained criminal defence lawyer will also know the ins and outs of the law in the areas you most need assistance - something which can be overwhelming to the average person. All in all, defending you is a criminal defence lawyer’s job. They are best suited to help you out!

2. Seek out firms with experience, good testimonials and high ratings.

As mentioned, the experience of your lawyer can make or break your defence so be sure to seek out a firm with lawyers that have a solid base of experience, not only in your type of case, but also in your local court system. They will know best how to navigate the existing system and advocate for you within it. You can get a referral from someone you know, asking them about their experience with a particular lawyer to get a grasp on their mannerisms, consultation procedures, and other important things to know in advance. Once you have the name of a lawyer, you can do your research on them. Check out their website and any ratings pages for them where past clients can comment on their experience. Often you can find these client testimonials on the lawyer’s website but they are also available upon request in some cases, or can be found on Google, Yelp and similar sites. Sometimes, lawyers will be used as an expert in news media stories and you can get a feel for their ethics and experience based on how they speak to reporters. Similarly, find out if they belong to any Criminal Law Associations or deliver lectures at law schools in your region as a key indication that they are invested in community and justice work, along with being considered an expert. Anything you can find to learn more about your potential lawyer will help you make the right decision about who to choose.

3. Find a specialist who has worked in your local court system.

As alluded to above, someone who knows your local court system is important to have a winning case. Local lawyers will be familiar with Crown prosecutors, judges and other key figures within the local law network. Their familiarity with the courts will help them to know how they should present certain cases to particular judges based on past experiences, and other key knowledge points to help your case. The advantages to your case by hiring a lawyer who knows local court procedures and particularities are almost immeasurable and can make a difference in how you succeed.

4. Make sure the lines of communication are open and clear, including understanding their consultation process.

In any professional relationship, communication is key but this is especially true for you and the criminal defence lawyer you intend to hire. The lines of communication should be open and clear, where you feel free to ask questions and are responded to appropriately. Similarly, building trust with your lawyer is also important and communication is essential for facilitating that. Someone who is aloof and unresponsive, or that you feel you cannot be open with, might not be the best choice for you, especially considering that your future depends on the outcome of your case. Be clear at the initial meeting about communication preferences for both of you and develop a clear schedule for consultation that is convenient for both of you while still meeting your objectives for your case.
First impressions can tell you a lot about your future lawyer, especially with regards to communication pathways. If they do not respond to you in a timely and reasonable manner, or you are not dealt with professionally when you first call their office, it may be a sign of things to come. A good lawyer will be understanding of your situation and responsive to your needs from the first phone call.

5. Be clear about the bill.

Once you have decided on a criminal defence lawyer and they have agreed to represent you, make sure you are not shy when discussing the financial side of your relationship. You will need everything laid out in very clear terms to ensure that you are not met with any financial surprises at the end of your matter. Lawyers sometimes bill a flat fee or, they may have an hourly rate (and will bill for an hour even if you don’t take up a full one!) or some combination of each of these. It is standard practice for lawyers to take some money up front (this is called a retainer). This money is held in the lawyer’s trust account until they invoice you for services rendered. It’s up to you to make sure you ask for clarifications if this plan is not laid out clearly in order to ensure that you do not feel you were taken advantage of when the invoice arrives. Knowing what you will be charged for and a clear description of the services that will be provided will also help deepen your trust with your lawyer from the start.

Kolinsky Law is well-established to serve you and your loved ones.

Agreeing to defend someone in a criminal case is not something that the lawyers at Kolinsky Law take as a light responsibility. We know your future depends on the outcome of your case and will work hard to earn your trust and build a solid defence. Rated as one of the top three lawyers in Edmonton and with swaths of testimonials from happy clients, Kolinsky Law hits all the marks listed here, and many more. As a result-driven law firm with a long-standing practice in Edmonton, sound knowledge of local courts, and fair business practices, Kolinsky Law is your best choice for hiring a criminal defence lawyer.

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Criminal Law Services
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What can Edmonton DUI Lawyers do for you