A good criminal lawyer on your team can mean the difference between a life spent behind bars or maintaining your freedom and living an everyday life. As such, hiring a criminal lawyer in BC is a decision that must be made with extreme care and consideration. Here, we will share with you some of the questions to ask yourself and then the questions to ask a criminal lawyer you’re considering hiring to ensure they’re the right fit for your case.

Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Pick a Good Criminal Lawyer in BC

There are three key questions you should ask yourself before starting your search for a criminal lawyer in BC:

What Type of Charges Are You Facing? 

Depending on the severity and type of charges against you, certain criminal lawyers may be more experienced or skilled in handling them. When choosing a lawyer with relevant expertise, it’s important to know what you’re facing. 

What Is Your Budget? 

Legal fees vary depending on the lawyer, so it’s important to establish your budget beforehand and discuss fees with potential lawyers to ensure they align.

What Qualities Are Important to You in a Lawyer? 

Do you want someone who is aggressive and experienced in trials or someone who is more focused on negotiation and plea deals? Think about what qualities you value in a lawyer and look for those in your search.

Questions to Ask Potential Criminal Lawyers in BC

Once you have answered the above questions, it’s time to start contacting potential criminal lawyers. 

Here are some important questions to ask them during your initial consultation:

What Is Your Experience with Similar Cases? 

As mentioned earlier, hire a lawyer with relevant experience in handling cases like yours—you wouldn’t hire a family lawyer for a serious criminal case, for example. Ask for specific examples and outcomes of similar cases they have handled in the past.

What Is Your Approach to Handling Cases? 

Every criminal lawyer has their own approach to handling cases, so be sure to understand how they typically work and what you can expect throughout the process of your case.

How Do You Communicate with Clients? 

Communication is key in any legal case, so make sure to talk to the lawyer about how they prefer to communicate with their clients and reasonable expectations for when you’ll get updates from them.

How Do You Charge Your Clients? 

Be upfront about your budget and ask for fees and payment options breakdown. Get a clear understanding of what you will be paying for and confirm it aligns with your budget.

What Will Be Your Strategy for My Case? 

Ask the criminal lawyer to outline their strategy for your case and how they plan to approach it. This will give you a better understanding of how they will handle your specific situation. 

Call Jerry Steele Today

If you’ve answered the important questions for yourself and you’re ready to ask us the rest, contact Jerry Steele today. With years of experience in criminal law, he is dedicated to providing you with unmatched legal representation and close personal attention for your case.