Factors to be considered while choosing the right criminal lawyer

The future and fate of an accused lies to a good extend in the hands of a criminal lawyer who handles the case. This makes it important to select the best available criminal lawyer to ensure that the case is handled as desired to get the expected outcomes. Proving that the prosecution is wrong requires good skills and deep knowledge about the case. In any situation where a person needs the help of a criminal lawyer, many factors need to be considered before selecting the criminal lawyer. The selected criminal lawyer should have experience not only in that jurisdiction but also be knowledgable in relation to that offence and the law – this way the lawyer’s knowledge and experience can be utilized to gain maximum benefits for the client. In cases where the client is wrongly accused, the criminal lawyer has to ensure that all possible evidence is presented so  that the accused receives a fair trial and is not wrongly convicted. Similarly, where the accused has pleaded guilty or been found guilty the criminal lawyer needs to ensure that all possible evidence is presented in order to mitigate the accused’s culpability and thus receive the minimum possible punishment by law. The chosen criminal lawyer should be capable of giving the right advice at the right time. The client should also be able to meet or discuss with him directly or through phone or other medium when required. Building up a good professional relationship with the criminal lawyer to whom the case has been assigned helps to get the best results from the trial. He should be aware of all legal aspects of the case under consideration. Some of the most important characteristics of a criminal lawyer are honesty, sincerity and willingness to help and protect the client. A criminal lawyer with an optimistic approach and willingness to go to all extents to understand the case and execute the trial would help in solving the problems of the client. Reputation is one factor which most people look out for when selecting a criminal lawyer, however knowledge and presentation skills are equally important. A clear and thorough knowledge of the legal aspects of the case is not just enough for a criminal lawyer to succeed in the case - but also the skill to present the case in front of the jury is required. Selecting the wrong criminal lawyer can make things worse and can even lead to rare cases where the client receives a sentence or heavier sentence than he or she should or would have. Geoff Harrison is a criminal barrister practising at the NSW Bar in Sydney with extensive experience as a criminal lawyer, DUI & traffic offences, drug matters and apprehended violence orders (AVOs). Geoff has also worked as a Senior Criminal Lawyer for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.and read my other articles at DeclanDevin You can read my other articles at DeclanDevin