Getting the support of Sydney criminal lawyers when you’ve been charged with a crime can make a lot of difference in the case’s outcome. A good attorney understands what it takes to succeed in a court of law. Their experience in the industry is vital, especially if you’re faced with serious criminal charges.
However, not every criminal lawyer can handle your case with the expertise you desire. Every professional in this field has their strengths and weaknesses. Hence, you must interview them and know if they’re suitable for the job.
You can do this by asking the questions listed below. But before you meet the lawyer, you should arm yourself with enough up-to-date legal information. Ask yourself what is criminal law in Australia and how does it work? Once you understand this, you’ll be able to ask the right questions and make an informed decision afterwards.
- How long have you practised?
Experience is a key ingredient in any lawyer’s career. The longer they’ve been in the field, the better services they can offer you. For one, an attorney who has practised for many years can advise you on what you should expect throughout the legal process. Given that they’ve handled all sorts of clients before, they’ll have a better understanding of your situation and the chances of success based on the current circumstances.
It’s also worth noting that experienced attorneys can anticipate what the prosecution has in store. They’ll use their criminal law survival kit to advise you on the best strategies to counter those actions and build a strong defence. While inquiring about their experience, it’s important that you consider the type of cases they’ve handled in the past. Hiring someone who has worked on a similar case to yours before will be beneficial, especially if the lawyer has won most of those suits. (1)
- What are your qualifications?
Another significant factor that you should inquire about is the lawyer’s credentials. Like any other profession, education and the necessary certifications are crucial when practising law. Having all these aspects in place shows the attorney’s expertise in the field. (2)
Among the specific questions you should ask in this category include; ‘What university did you graduate from?’ or ‘Do you belong to any professional organisation?’ These questions will show you whether you’re dealing with a legitimate lawyer, vital to your success.
- How many cases have you won?
Every lawyer has a record of all clients they’ve represented, their cases, and their success status. Since the number of these clients throughout the career life of an attorney is worth noting, the most important factor is those cases won. Make sure you inquire about the success rate of your selected lawyer so that you can know your chances of winning if you choose to hire them. (2)
- How often do your cases go to trial?
The whole process of criminal law can be very stressful, both emotionally and financially. If you can get the outcome of your case without going beyond the first few steps, you’ll save a lot. Getting such results depends on the nature of the crime you’re charged with and the overall experience of your lawyer. (3)
The best attorneys always try to find ways of settling cases via a plea bargain out of court. A lawyer whose most cases are resolved this way can help save you a lot of time and money. They’ll assess your situation and tell you the likely outcome. If there are high chances of going to trial, you’d want to be represented by someone competent and confident in court.
- How much do you charge?
As a client, you should know whether you are financially capable of affording the services of your selected lawyer. Therefore, it’s imperative that you ask them how much they’ll charge you, which usually depends on the complexity of your case. Let them list down all the expenses, including the hidden costs, so that you can decide whether to go with them. (1)
How much does a criminal lawyer cost Australia? This is an important question for which you should find an answer before holding the interview. With this information, you’ll know whether the attorney in the subject is expensive or affordable.
Conclusion
Criminal law can be very tricky, especially when the case in the subject is very strong. Therefore, before seeking the services of a criminal law group, you must consider their experience. A lawyer who has practised law for many years understands your case and possible outcomes.
Academic and professional qualifications are very crucial in this field. Ask your candidate for the certificates they have together with other necessary documents. Their success rate and chances of going to trial are other essential factors. You should ask a lawyer many questions but start with the few discussed in the article.
References
- “How To Select A Criminal Defense Attorney.”, Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Select-a-Criminal-Defense-Attorney?amp=1
- “What To Look For In A Private Defense Criminal Lawyer.”, Source: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-look-a-private-defense-attorney.html
- “Five Ways To Keep Disputes Out Of Court.”, Source: https://hbr.org/1990/01/five-ways-to-keep-disputes-out-of-court
