If you’ve been charged with a crime, you should hire a criminal lawyer right away. The sooner you have a legal professional working on your case, the stronger your defence will be. However, although you should act quickly to hire a criminal lawyer, the decision still requires careful consideration.
Here are common mistakes to avoid when hiring a lawyer:
Not hiring a lawyer who specializes in criminal defence
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to hire a lawyer who does not specialize in criminal defence. A lawyer with experience in other areas of law will not be equipped to handle the complexities of a criminal case. Ensure you find a lawyer who focusses on cases like yours.
Hiring an inexperienced lawyer
A criminal conviction can forever change your life. So, why would you put your fate in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer? When choosing a criminal defence lawyer, you should look for one that has at least a decade of experience. You may also want to consider the number of successful cases they have had. This will tell you whether the odds will be in your favour if you choose to work with that lawyer.
Not checking certification
Before you hire a lawyer to work on your case, ensure they have a current licence and that there are no practise restrictions imposed against them. You may also want to check whether there have been any disciplinary hearings in the past. The Law Society of British Columbia is the best place to find such information about Vancouver criminal defence lawyers.
Forgetting to ask about fees
Different firms use different fee structures for charging their clients. So, ensure you discuss fees before retaining the service of a criminal defence lawyer. By discussing legal fees upfront, you will avoid any unexpected charges when they send your bill.
Ignoring your instincts
When you meet with a lawyer for the first, you will likely get a gut feeling that tells you whether that lawyer is the right one for your case. If, for any reason, your gut tells you that he or she is not right for you, do not ignore that feeling. Instead, continue your search until you find a lawyer you are comfortable and confident working with.
The best time to consult a lawyer is from the very moment you’ve been called in by the police for questioning in relation to a domestic assault. This could help you to avoid the charges in the first place. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. The initial consultation is free, and Tom Doust will assess your case and advise you of the best way forward.
Are you searching for a Vancouver criminal lawyer?
If you are searching for an experienced Vancouver criminal lawyer, give us a call at the law office of Tom Doust.
For over 20 years, Tom Doust has practiced criminal law defending those charged with serious crimes including murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, trafficking drugs, major fraud and other offences. Whatever crime you’ve been accused of, he will personally handle your case and put his experience and reputation to work protecting your rights and getting you the best possible outcome.
So, contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation. Let us show how we can help with your criminal defence.
