Sydney is a highly populated city in Australia with over five million residents. The city is known for its diverse culture, stunning beaches, and tourist attractions. More than 629,000 visitors and students come to the city to shop, be entertained or inspired, learn, visit friends, and conduct personal or corporate business on any given day. With this dense population, criminal activity is to be expected.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offence, it is essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The following are five things to look for when hiring criminal defence lawyers Sydney.
1) Experience
When hiring a criminal defence lawyer, the first thing to look for is experience. You want to hire a lawyer who has handled and won cases similar to yours.
Make sure to ask the lawyer how many years they have been practising, what type of criminal law they specialize in, and how many cases they have handled.
A lawyer with vast experience can help you navigate the complicated court system and get the best results possible in your case.
You can also ask the lawyer if they have ever worked with any judges on your court circuit and what their experience was like. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, hiring an experienced lawyer can help your case be resolved in the best possible way.
2) Rates
The average criminal defence lawyer’s gross salary in Sydney, Australia, is $152,723. However, a criminal defence attorney can cost anywhere from $150 to $350 per hour.
When hiring an attorney for your case, be sure to ask about their rates and what is included in that price. Some lawyers may charge for court appearances, telephone consultations, or emails.
Ensure you understand what the lawyer will charge and ensure that the price is within your budget. Ask them about payment plans or other options to help you pay for your legal representation if it isn’t.
Be sure to ask the lawyer what their hourly rate is and get a written estimate of how much the entire case will cost before making a final decision.
3) Good Reviews
Reading reviews from past clients is essential when looking for a criminal defence lawyer. It can give you an idea of the lawyer’s reputation and how they treated their clients.
A lawyer with good reviews can be a great option if you face criminal charges, especially if you have never been in this situation before.
4) Communication
Good communication is crucial in any relationship, including your lawyer and you. Be sure to ask them if they have a secretary or paralegal who will be handling your case.
Make sure you have the lawyer’s direct contact information, including their email and phone number. You should also ask how often they will be available to communicate with you and their policy on returning calls and emails.
5) Case Management
When hiring criminal defence lawyers in Sydney, you need to make sure they are familiar with your court’s procedures and requirements.
Ask them about the case management system they use and what you can expect during your trial.
Make sure to ask them if they will be using any legal research tools for filing the case.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, hiring an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Sydney is essential. Make sure you interview several lawyers before making your final decision.
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