Criminal lawyers are a dime a dozen, and yet they play one of the most important roles in the justice system. If you’ve been charged with a crime and want to get fair sentencing, or if you want to make a case for your innocence, the lawyer you pick will make all the difference. A bad lawyer could steer you straight into a brick wall and rush things, putting your entire life in jeopardy. This is why you have to know what differentiates a good lawyer from a bad one. Here are some of the signs that you’re dealing with a good criminal justice lawyer.
They Truly Understand Your Rights as a Client
No matter the case, a good criminal justice will make sure that the rights of their clients are protected at all times. Their goal is to make sure that you get treated not only fairly, but justly as well.
Things can get rocky during criminal case hearings, and a good lawyer will be willing to fight tooth and nail for your rights no matter how severe the claims are. This will be obvious from the minute you see them in court and when you meet them for meetings.
They Will Go in Depth
A good criminal justice lawyer will not stop at police reports. In reality, this is where the real work starts. They should be working with a criminal investigator immediately and try to get to the bottom of the case. They will start gathering accounts from witnesses, records, and any relevant information that can help with the case.
Criminal justice lawyers that can go deeper than simple reports and demand more from prosecutors and other sources are the ones who can tip the balance in favour of their clients. Your criminal justice lawyer should also be ready for anything by the time they get to court.
They Have a Long and Verifiable Track Record
The firm that you pick should preferably have a long track record and history. Not only will this increase the chances that they’ll be competent, but lawyers who have been here for a while are known in the system and build relationships with prosecutors and judges. Like it or not, being known for the right reasons could help move things faster in some cases.
Firms like criminal-lawyer.com.au, for instance, have been in business for over 50 years now. Firms like these will usually have a well-stocked team and will be familiar with all sorts of cases. They will also have more extensive resources, which will allow them to build a stronger case for you. They might be able to summon experts to the stand that others couldn’t, and just the right testimony from the right person could be enough to sway a jury’s opinion.
Good criminal lawyers should first and foremost be there to protect your rights. You then have to look for those with a solid reputation for getting results, and those who truly are willing to listen, respect, and understand you.