Choosing the best criminal lawyer
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, it’s only natural to feel shaken. Especially since this isn’t the sort of situation most people find themselves in.
Given that the consequences are serious and often permanent, it’s crucial to find the best possible criminal lawyer to defend you. And the sooner, the better. But how do you go about finding the best attorney when there are so many law firms to choose from?
Below, you’ll find several essential criteria to help you select the best lawyer to represent you.
1. Look for an attorney with expertise in criminal law
When it comes to criminal charges, the stakes are high. To ensure that you receive the quality of defense you deserve, it’s essential to choose a lawyer trained specifically in the representation of clients charged with criminal offenses.
When looking for an attorney who will defend your interests and meet your needs, experience is one of the most important factors to consider. As in any other type of profession, there are generalists and specialists. Even within the same law firm, you may find criminal lawyers who specialize exclusively in certain types of cases.
Therefore, the best criminal lawyer is one who has experience handling cases similar to yours.
2. Find a criminal lawyer who has successfully settled cases like yours
Just as it’s vital to choose a lawyer who’s duly qualified in criminal law, it’s also important for him or her to have experience with offenses similar to the ones you’ve been charged with. This is an important advantage, as the attorney will have in-depth knowledge of every element that could influence the outcome of your case.
Therefore, your best option is to consider criminal lawyers who have a history of success in settling cases similar to yours.
3. Contact the Bar of Quebec
The Quebec Bar Association website provides numerous resources to help you find the right lawyer to defend you. Among other things, you’ll find a directory where you can search by legal field, language or location. When you need to find someone quickly, it’s a valuable time-saving tool.
4. Find a criminal lawyer near you
Another factor to consider when the time comes to find the best criminal lawyer is how close the law offices are to your home. Being involved in legal proceedings for a criminal offense is stressful enough as it is. Make your life easier by opting for an attorney who works in your area and who is willing to come to you.
5. Don’t forget to see if you qualify for legal aid
If you’re low-income, you may be eligible for legal aid. As a result, you’ll have access to the services of an attorney at little or no cost. You may even be able to select a specialized lawyer in private practice; however, you must make sure that he or she agrees to represent you at the rates set forth by the legal aid society.
A criminal lawyer who’s attentive to your needs
As criminal law is a very technical field, the attorney whose job it is to represent you must have solid experience in order to offer you the best possible support.
Afford yourself the services of the best criminal lawyer in the Montreal and South Shore areas by contacting Martine Thibodeau, an attorney who has been specializing in criminal and penal law for more than 30 years. Ms. Thibodeau is recognized for her rigor, availability and humanistic approach throughout the process. She also accepts legal aid mandates.
