How to Identify an Expert Criminal Lawyer for Defence

April 28, 2022

Understandably, the legal ramifications of a conviction are severe. This is why choosing someone to represent you in court is crucial.

Working with expert criminal lawyers who can handle different crime cases are expected to defend your case at length. These lawyers are a vital part of services for people seeking legal support when accused of a crime.

However, remember that not all legal professionals are competent enough to handle your case. Because working with an inexperienced lawyer can worsen your case and make the entire ordeal more stressful.

What Makes a Good Criminal Defence Lawyer?

The following are qualities to look for in a good criminal defence lawyer.

1. Integrity

Representation from a lawyer who abides by strong moral principles is significant when looking for legal services. Good lawyers should be able to protect your rights and make the right choices and decisions on your behalf.

2. Good Communication Skills

A competent lawyer should be able to speak well to the judge and jury. Being so means they are also a good listener. Having a lawyer who listens to your narrative can help them decide the best strategy to defend you.

Your lawyer should also be proficient in conveying your case in negotiating the terms and conditions pertaining to your release or court settlements. 

3. Caring and Understanding

Being accused of a crime is tremendously stressful. But a lawyer who has deep discernment and empathy can lighten your emotional turmoil. They can also relate to the emotional impact of your situation on your family members. Your safety and privacy should be a part of their undertaking. 

4. Excellent Research and Investigation Skills

Preparing a criminal defence will require a lot of research and time. You cannot afford a lawyer who will breeze into a courtroom on your behalf and ‘wing it.’ Each case is unique.

Your lawyer must be keen on doing in-depth legal research of other similar cases and dive deeper into your specific case to discover anything that may have been overlooked that could establish your innocence or mitigate the charge.

5. Analytical Skills

When negotiating for terms, defending against prosecutors and presenting closing arguments to the jury, your lawyer must demonstrate sharp, quick thinking and intelligent rebuttals to your defence in the courtroom.

6. Aggressiveness

In defending your criminal case, aggressiveness, in some cases, is crucial. It can be an advantage when used at the right time and place. A lawyer who is a passionate advocate for your rights and uses aggressiveness at the right time can result in a better court decision for you.

7. Approachability

When you hire a lawyer to represent you in criminal defence, you will be counting on him or her for the best possible outcomes. Hence, you want this person to be someone you are comfortable with. He or she must be approachable and capable of communicating with you on a relatable level.

8. Criminal Law Experience

After finishing their law degree and passing the bar examination, most lawyers move into a specialisation. Each lawyer works on a specific area of the law.

It would be best to have a lawyer who can expertly navigate the criminal justice system. Even better, you must find someone with vast experience with a specific crime you are being charged with. 

9. Confidentiality

When discussing your case with your criminal defence lawyer, everything you say must stay confidential. Any breach of confidential information can hurt your case and be unethical on your lawyer’s part. This is referred to as the lawyer–client privilege. 

How Do You Find a Good Criminal Lawyer?

Hiring a criminal defence lawyer is inarguably one of the most critical steps in your entire case. So, taking the time to seek and thoroughly research the best criminal defence lawyer ensures you are represented in a positive light when you face the courts. 

• Choose Someone Experienced in the Local Courts

Besides finding a lawyer with criminal law qualifications, you must also look for one experienced in the local courts. A good criminal defence lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the court you are up against can help you plan a winning strategy.

• Check Reputable Sources

When you are looking for the ‘best criminal defence attorney near me,’ the Internet will yield tons of results. Although it is an excellent place to start, your search must not end there. 

Google and Facebook do not allow lawyers to remove bad reviews. Hence, these platforms are an excellent place to check what other clients have to say. 

Other sites enable lawyers to paint a rosy picture. While one bad review doesn’t necessarily make a bad lawyer, reading reviews can give you an overview of other clients’ experiences about them and their services.

• Ask for Referrals

One way to find the best criminal lawyer is by asking your friends and family. Sources with first-hand knowledge of how a criminal lawyer operates can give you insight into how they will tackle your case.

You can also consult with your lawyers handling different fields because they can recommend for a criminal case. Word-of-mouth is an excellent way to get an honest opinion, especially when the person you are asking wants the best for you.

Mardini Defence Lawyers: Defending You

It is worth the time and effort to find the best criminal defence lawyer to represent you because there is so much at risk. Although it is challenging to find the right lawyer, it will be rewarding if you get the right one.

Mardini Defence Lawyers can help you plan a winning strategy for your defence. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need a suitable defence lawyer for your case.