If the police have just charged you with a crime, finding an excellent criminal defense attorney to represent you is essential. But unless you already know a criminal lawyer, you might wonder how to find one. Here’s some advice to help you in your search.

Best Places to Find a Good Criminal Lawyer

In the past, people often relied on word-of-mouth recommendations from family and friends or searched through local directories. These methods still work well today. If someone you trust has used a criminal defense lawyer and was happy with their service, that lawyer is a good option for you.

The internet is another powerful tool. Try searching on Google for “criminal lawyer” along with your city, such as “criminal lawyer Toronto.” You’ll find thousands of results. Here’s how to narrow them down:

1. Local Experience: Choose a lawyer who practices in your area. They will be familiar with local court rules and have courtroom experience nearby.
2. Specialization: Ensure the lawyer focuses on or specializes in criminal defense. You don’t want a divorce lawyer handling your DUI case. Check their website to see if they focus exclusively on criminal law.
3. Proven Experience: Look at the firm’s case results to see the types of cases they’ve handled and their outcomes. If they have experience with cases similar to yours, that’s a good sign.
4. Credentials: Verify the lawyer’s credentials on the Law Society or State Bar website. Ensure they are legitimate and recognized professionals.
5. Free Consultation: Many defense lawyers offer a free initial consultation. This allows you to meet the lawyer, discuss your case, and understand the costs without committing right away. It also helps you gauge if you feel comfortable working with them.

What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?

A criminal defense lawyer provides expert legal advice. When you’re accused of a crime, they help you decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty and identify the best defense strategy. They also represent you in court, protecting your rights and interests. Here are some tasks they handle:

• Attend court hearings on your behalf.
• Negotiate or fight for bail (judicial interim release).
• Accompany you to police interviews.
• Gather evidence for your case.
• Analyze the prosecution’s evidence.
• Argue your case in court.
• Negotiate plea bargains.
• Assist with appeals.
• Request the destruction of your fingerprints and photos.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost?

The cost varies depending on the case’s complexity and the lawyer’s experience. For instance, defending a straightforward shoplifting case will cost less than a complex fraud case. Lawyers may charge hourly rates or flat fees. Here’s a rough guide:

• Hourly Rates: Junior lawyers (5 years experience) charge can charge a few hundred dollars per hour, while senior lawyers can charge more. You’ll pay more for a lawyer’s experience.
• Flat Fees: Many criminal lawyers charge a flat fee, plus taxes and disbursements, for their services.
• Legal Aid: Available for qualified people, usually based on their current income.

Criminal lawyers provide written confirmation of the fee after the initial free consultation (a “retainer agreement”), ensuring no hidden costs.

Payment Methods

Most criminal lawyers accept various forms of payment, including cheque, Visa, Mastercard, Interac, and e-Transfer.

Conclusion

Finding a good or excellent criminal defence lawyer can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can find someone who will effectively represent you at a price you can afford. Rely on trusted recommendations, verify credentials, and take advantage of free consultations to make an informed choice.

Our mission at JustCharged.com is to introduce you to criminal lawyers, from junior to senior lawyers, who can help with your charges.