Tips for Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
It is a huge shock to most people to realize that they have been charged with a criminal offence. The situation takes on the qualities of a nightmare.
It is a dirty, nasty and shocking experience. What you need to do is get competent help – at the very first opportunity.
Many people are reluctant to ask friends if they know a “good” criminal lawyer; however, there are other sources. You can contact Lawyer Referral at either 604-687-3221 or 1-800-663-1919. The lawyer you contact will talk to you for ½ hour for $25.00. Many waive this fee. You can also look on the Web, Yellow Pages or your local paper.
When choosing a lawyer there are a few things to remember:
- You must be satisfied in your own mind that the person you are thinking of retaining knows what they are doing;
- You must feel comfortable talking to them. This is soul baring time and you do not want to be holding back through feelings of unease or embarrassment;
- No matter how good the person is, they cannot guarantee a result. If they do, leave immediately;
- The last thing to understand is exactly what the fee is and how it is structured. Most criminal lawyers charge a global fee, plus tax, plus disbursements. That’s easy to total. Further, the fee plus other costs are due well before any trial date or the matter being concluded. Go somewhere else if you do not get a firm figure or a date by which a fee will be determined.
You have one chance to get the matter dealt with effectively in terms of result, time and cost. Get the best lawyer you can find and afford. Achieving a good result is priceless in terms of your future peace of mind and your standing with employers, professional bodies and the United States Customs Service, among others.
Contact Robert Carter or John Bethell for more information.
Located in: Criminal Law
