Finding a criminal defense lawyer

If you have received a criminal charge, it can be a very daunting proposition for you and your family to face. It is important to speak to a criminal defence lawyer who can provide you with expert advice and help you to thoroughly understand the processes involved.

Depending on your individual case and charge/s you may require a specific type of criminal defence lawyer who is experienced in defending cases of that nature. Nethertheless it is important to find a highly knowledgeable solicitor who has effectively defended cases like yours throughout their career. Hiring the right criminal defence lawyer for your case will give you the best chance for a favourable outcome.

How do I find a suitable criminal defence lawyer?
There are a few simple steps which will allow you to narrow down your search for the right criminal defence lawyer for your case. In short, our recommended steps are; Research, Shortlist and Interview.

It is important that you follow these steps to ensure that you are completely comfortable with the lawyer who will be preparing your defence strategy and helping you through the legal process.

Internet Research:
An internet search is a simple way to begin listing available lawyers in your area. Take your time to read through the search results, looking for lawyers who fit your criteria. This criteria will be unique to you and your case, but two key things to consider are:

• Is this lawyer working in my area?
• Does this lawyer specialise in cases like mine?

Create a Shortlist:
After you have found a number of reputable lawyers in your area who work on cases similar to yours, you can begin to narrow down your options. The best way to do this is to look over their qualifications and experience. You can compare where they studied, how long they have been practicing and what cases they have worked on.

Additionally, you can read any testimonials that they have published on their website, along with any online reviews that have been posted. Past clients will give you some insight into the type of person they are and the style in which they carry out their practice. If you like what is being said about the potential lawyers online then hopefully you too will have a positive experience from securing their services.

Interview/Consultations:
Once you have finalised your shortlist you can organise to meet with the candidates in person. Most lawyers will offer consultations so that you can discuss your case, and they can provide you with suggestions on how they may approach it.

Meeting in person is a great opportunity to ask any questions you have and to get an overview of their practice directly from them. This way you have a complete understanding of who will be taking on your case, so you can then decide if they are the right lawyer for you.

It is vital to feel comfortable with your legal representation. The relationship between you and your lawyer relies heavily on trust and the sharing of information. The more at ease you feel through clear and honest communication, the greater the opportunity to address any questions that arise in your case.

What are good questions to ask a criminal defence lawyer?

Throughout the process of finding a criminal defence lawyer, it is important to have answers to some general questions. Some key things to ask include:

• What area of the law do you specialise in?
• How long have you been practicing law?
• Are you the lawyer who will be handling my case?
• Can you explain the offence I am charged with?
• What are the possible outcomes?
• Should I plead guilty or not guilty?
• What steps need to be taken to establish a strong defence?
• Will I require a Barrister?
• How long should this process take?
• What are the costs involved for obtaining your services?
• Why should I choose your legal services?

These questions should make it easy to narrow down your choice of criminal defence lawyer, and decide if they are well suited to handle your case. If you are looking for a lawyer to defend you against a criminal charge, consider Essere Defence Lawyers.

Essere, is a Sydney based Criminal Defence Law Firm. They understand the strain criminal cases have on their clients and families alike, and provide sympathetic and non-judgemental advice and support to their clients. Having defended more than 3,800 cases and with a success rate of over 90%, Essere Defence Lawyers in Sydney & Parramatta, provide their clients with informed legal advice and flexible payment terms. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, please contact Essere on (02) 9283 3033, for a Confidential Consultation.