Choosing a Criminal Law Solicitor in the UK

Crime is not just about the sleazy underworld. Anyone can find themselves in a position where they might need to consult a criminal lawyer. If you ever find yourself blamed for anything from a simple driving offence to murder, just take note of the following steps and find yourself a good criminal lawyer in the UK.

The right experience: A lawyer might have years of experience in law, but if they don’t have experience in handling your type of case, then you cannot be assured that they will do a good job. Find a lawyer who specialises in your type of case.

Fees charged: Criminal lawyers often charge high rates for their service. Many of them might even require you to pay the amount upfront at the beginning. It is a good idea to budget your lawyer into your legal expenses and then choose one that you can afford. Make sure to discuss all payment related issues in detail before hiring them.

Get references: The best way to choose a lawyer is to find one through references from people you trust. Hunt around among your family, friends, and acquaintances to find a lawyer who has made an impression. You could even ask other lawyers you consult to direct you to a good criminal lawyer.

Local knowledge: The thing about a local solicitor is that they would know exactly whom to approach to get things done. They would understand all the administrative structure and would have developed important contacts everywhere that might help your case. It’s about who and what your solicitor knows, and in this case, local knowledge is just as important as having a deep understanding of criminal law.

Personal touch: If you are hiring a criminal legal consultancy firm, you never know who will take up your case. Get to know your lawyer and make him or her aware of all the facts. It is very important to build a rapport with your solicitor, and also with the administrators and other legal staff who would be handling your case.

Legal discussions: When discussing your case with your lawyer, prepare a detailed list of questions. Your lawyer should be able to discuss your case with you in a manner that you understand. They should also be very clear about your various options and should not try to bully you into going in for a specific option. Every decision you make can carry huge implications.

When choosing a lawyer, don’t be drawn in by flashy promises and elegant offices. Use other criteria to determine how good a lawyer is. The most important thing in hiring a criminal lawyer is that you need to trust him or her. If you cannot bring yourself to do that, you should choose another lawyer. Your criminal law solicitor should engender confidence in you. Think thoroughly before making a choice as this can affect your life.

Written by Karl Peters

Karl is a university graduate with years of experience in casual writing and freelance services. Always up to date on the latest trends and working hard to bring these trends to the forefront of the public eye. Lover of beer, dogs and cars and dedicated to being the best bachelor bro.