Questions You Must Ask Your Criminal Defence Firm and Other Advice from an Expert Criminal Lawyer in Winnipeg
Criminal charges are serious matters that can dramatically impair your freedom and future employment opportunities. That’s why you should always try to find an effective criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg and a leading criminal defence firm in Winnipeg.
But that is easier said than done.
To that end, let’s discuss how you can evaluate your potential defence lawyer in Winnipeg and their firm to better determine if they are up to the task of representing you.
Finding a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer in Winnipeg
We’re seeing cutbacks across the country deplete the number of criminal defence lawyers while some forms of crime are on the rise. This drain is concerning as it lowers the pool of talent available to you when you’re charged with a criminal offence.
The good news is that there are still many strong criminal defence lawyers out there, willing to take up your case and forcefully argue to protect your rights.
That said, with dozens of criminal defence lawyers in Winnipeg, it can be difficult to determine which lawyer is better able to represent your case over the rest. Difficult, yes, but not impossible; the key is asking the right questions at the start.
To that end, let’s take a look at the must-ask questions for your potential criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg.
Must-Ask Questions for Your Prospective Criminal Defence Firm Winnipeg
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How long has your firm existed and can you demonstrate a track record of success?
An experienced criminal defence lawyer offers a variety of benefits over newer attorneys.
Naturally, over time, it stands to reason that they’d hone their craft, becoming better at arguing cases, negotiating, would develop an intimate understanding of the law and its nuances, etc.
But that’s just the start. A criminal defence lawyer that has experience practicing in your area will have developed close relationships with judges and prosecutors. This in turn allows them to leverage that knowledge when putting your case together, tailoring it to match the personalities involved.
That way you can avoid potential pitfalls that would otherwise distract from the merits of your case and potentially lead to a less-than-ideal outcome.
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Will I be working with you (the criminal defence lawyer) specifically?
This may seem like an overly simple question not worth asking, but you’d be surprised by how many criminal defence lawyers simply will outsource potential clients to other attorneys when their workloads are maxed out.
With something as important as your freedom and future on the line, you can’t gamble it away; you need certainty. Certainty that your lawyer is reliable and can handle your case – and that you have a good rapport with them.
To that end, the lawyer you meet and agree to sign on with should be the lawyer you work with to protect your rights. With this question, you can avoid any confusion and misunderstandings, and ensure that you’re working with the representation you’ve personally vetted – and not some stranger.
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Do you offer a free consultation?
Attorneys are known for changing high hourly rates for their time. That said, when you’re initially looking for representation, you owe it to yourself to ask around and evaluate the options. That’s why an initial criminal defence lawyer free consultation in Winnipeg is critical: this allows you to meet your potential attorney before making a financial commitment.
Otherwise, you may end up spending a decent chunk of money before you’ve even hired a lawyer.
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Can you tell me what you think about the strength of my case?
No criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg can guarantee an outcome in your case. You can never guarantee the future when it comes to criminal defence cases. That said, if your lawyer is well experienced and they’ve had the time to assess the facts of your case, they should be able to provide a general estimate of how the case will proceed and help you achieve the best outcome possible in your case.
Again, don’t take this projection as gospel, but it should serve as a good baseline guide for your expectations, as well as help put your mind at ease as your case progresses.
Work with a Leading Defence Lawyer Winnipeg
When you face a criminal charge, you can’t afford to work with an inexperienced lawyer. Simmonds and Associates is a leading criminal defence law firm in Winnipeg with years of experience successfully representing clients.
Contact us today for a free criminal defence lawyer consultation in Winnipeg – get peace of mind when working with a leading attorney.