Criminal law is a branch of public law that primarily focuses on issues that are regarded as a criminal offence. Defrauding someone, theft, and physical injury are just some of the many examples of common crimes. The law of the United Kingdom has laid out the punishment for different crimes. If you are caught committing a crime, the government will appoint a public prosecutor to your case, if you can’t afford anybody. Whether you wish to file a criminal case against someone or want to protect yourself from a criminal investigation, you will need to hire a criminal lawyer.
When looking for the best criminal lawyers in London, it is important that you do your research carefully. You need a lawyer who has an extensive history of handling such cases and coming out on top. Unlike civil cases, criminal cases can lead to severe forms of punishment. You can’t just get off with having to pay damages to the aggrieved party. Instead, you may end up in prison if the jury finds you guilty. Here’s a complete guide on finding a criminal lawyer in London.
Look for References
Do you know anybody who can refer you to a criminal lawyer? You should start your search for a criminal lawyer by looking for references from different sources. Ask your friends and family to help you in finding a reputable lawyer. Even though most lawyers will brag about their skills and boast about how they are better than others while soliciting your services, finding a client who’s worked with the lawyer will go a long way in helping you make a decision. You can also read testimonials and reviews online about different lawyers before making a selection.
Discussions
It is important that you create a shortlist of the best criminal law firms in London. Once you have compiled a list, you should open discussions with the best options on the list. Talk to them about your case, and ask them about their opinions. Remember, your conversation isn’t protected by attorney-client privilege at the moment, so revealing too much about the case isn’t a wise idea. The lawyer will tell you about their expertise in handling similar cases, as well as the approach they took to win the case. You need a proactive lawyer who’s willing to go the extra mile in order to help you win. Discussing your case with the attorney will give you a brief insight into how they handle similar cases.
Fees
Before signing an agreement with any lawyer, it’s important that you discuss the fee with the lawyer. Because it’s a matter of your life, you shouldn’t really skimp on this. Most lawyers usually only take payments if they can win the case. However, some of the most reputable lawyers in London generally bill their clients at an hourly rate. Do you think you can afford to pay this much money to your lawyer? Make sure you discuss the fee before signing the agreement.