Criminal defense can be seen of the thankless job in the legal profession. A criminal defense attorney will stand by you through thick and thin regardless of the charges you could be facing. Not every attorney will have the zeal and passion for your case. That is why you should be doing your due diligence before you decide to hire a criminal defense attorney. You want to make sure you’re getting someone who understands your predicament and will offer the best legal representation. If you’re in Canada, you should be looking for a Toronto Law firm that has a track record of success. Here are some of the qualities that a good criminal defense attorney should possess.
They Don’t Allow Their Emotions to Trump over Due Process
Criminal defense attorneys are humans too and cases will always have a personal angle to them. A defendant might have committed some terrible crimes but they have a constitutional right to seek the services of an attorney. If you’re a criminal defense lawyer, this is something that you will have to get used to in order to effectively carry out your mandate. Representing someone doesn’t mean that you condone their atrocities. You’re just ensuring that the person’s rights are being protected as enshrined in the constitution and that they’re getting a fair hearing.
Bonding With Clients
Bonding with clients is crucial for a criminal defense attorney. This is despite the crimes that they might have committed. It will be challenging to find common ground with someone who has been accused of serious crimes. In order to represent them, you will first need to establish a bond. We are all humans and there is an inherent need to be understood regardless of our past deeds. A good attorney will always be friendly since he or she will have your best interests at heart.
Do Research on the Juror’s Background
A good attorney will want to know the juror that will be handling the case. That is why it is recommended that you look for a criminal defense attorney in your locality. Such a lawyer is likely to know the judges and how they can be persuaded in a court of law. Your attorney should ensure they’re doing research on the juror before going to trial. There are jurors that can be persuaded with a certain line of thought. You want someone that you can connect with. It is easy to persuade one person as opposed to 12.
Always Watching the Body Language of the Juror
In order to keep up with a jury, you will need to find out the side they’re leaning. This can be made easy if the attorney has experience in interpreting body language. He or she will know how the trial is going by just observing what is happening in the court. When you can evaluate the body language of a juror, you’re able to make real-time adjustments on the arguments on the case so as to improve the chances of winning the case.
They Stand Close to Their Clients
A good attorney will literally stand close to you as a sign of solidarity. Once they’ve agreed to represent you, a good attorney will go out ensuring you’re getting a fair hearing and the best legal representation. They will be with you right from the beginning up to when the case will be determined in the court of law. When you find yourself in trouble with the law, it will be time to know your real friends. You might find out that your attorney is your only real friend.
Treating Innocent Defendants
It might appear that working with an innocent defendant is going to be a walk in the park but in reality, it is a lot harder. There will be an additional strain on the defense if there is a chance that you’re wrongly accused of the crime. This can be challenging as the attorney will try to identify with the client while still coming with a formidable defense. An experienced attorney will know what to do under such circumstances given the merits of the case.
Winning Attitude
When you hire a criminal defense attorney, you will be looking for someone with a success record of winning cases. This will give you the confidence even as your case goes to trial. The attorney will make sure you’re getting the best deal possible given the circumstances of your criminal case.