If you’re facing criminal charges, you know that time is of the essence. But, as tempting as it may be to hire the Toronto defense lawyer available, take a step back and ask a few questions before you choose someone to represent you. If you are looking for a criminal attorney in Toronto, we have some tips to help you.
Recommendations Can Fail You
Don’t rely solely on recommendations from friends and relatives. As well-intended as they may be, they usually don’t have the necessary experience to guide you. At the same time, don’t go for the so-called “best attorneys in town.” They might not have enough time for your case or the right expertise for your unique situation. Not to mention the high fees that most people can’t afford to pay
Look for a criminal attorney in Toronto willing to invest his efforts and previous experience in defending your case and succeeding in representing you.
With that in mind, meet with a few attorneys who fit the profile you need for your case. Put effort into communicating with them as best as possible and provide them with the necessary information.
Here are some questions to ask before hiring a criminal attorney in Toronto.
1. What Do You Need to Provide Them for the Case Assessment?
Before going to the meetings, ask what papers they need and gather everything neatly. If you have additional questions or need to confirm the document list, talk to the attorney or his assistants as often as required. Go to the meeting with a list of questions you need to ask and a confident attitude: you are looking for someone to help you with this situation, and you need the right person to do it. It is your right to choose an attorney.
2. What Is Their Previous Experience with Similar Crimes?
Most crime attorneys usually specialize in certain types of cases. Ideally, you should hire someone who helped people with the same legal problems as you and won. Ask the attorney about a list of references, if possible. Make sure he can back his statements with numbers. What is the rate of won cases? How many of his patients are in the same crime category as yours?
Of course, do not expect him to disclose confidential information. Still, his expertise and analytics should be in his portfolio and can speak volumes about your desired performance. It is beneficial to see what they think about your case: is it common for them or a challenge?
3. What Are Their Expectations?
Criminal defense attorneys who make it on your shortlist should be able to predict possible outcomes for your case. Ask them how they would approach the defense: pleading guilty, settling, or going on trial. What are the chances for you to gain an advantage and avoid a long sentence? What are your legal options?
Also, ask about how the entire process would unfold. Even if this is not your first time facing criminal charges, each time is different. Knowing what to expect along the way will help you set your goals, be focused, and see what you will go through.
4. What Should You Expect Regarding Legal Fees?
There is no need to mention it, but the best criminal attorney in Toronto can charge very high fees. Their time is valuable since they take challenging cases and win most of them. So you can expect to pay up to a few hundred dollars per hour, with a certain number of hours paid upfront.
Knowing exactly how much it will cost you without talking to your attorney first is impossible. You need to insist on the additional costs – they can add up dramatically to the final numbers, so be sure everything is clear.
Finding legal representation is no easy task, but you need to pay close attention to the process and choose someone you are comfortable with and trust. After all, your freedom is on the line.
