Whether it’s drug dealers, murderers, or sex offenders, criminal defense lawyers defend the rights of all kinds of criminals. While the public may view them with contempt, especially if they win the case for their client, criminal defense lawyers have a vital role to play. Regardless of what has happened, each American has the right to a fair trial.
If you need to find a criminal defense lawyer like Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates, LLC to help with your case, here are five attributes that your attorney must possess.
Research and Analytics
When looking for a criminal defense lawyer, you must settle for one that has excellent research and analytical skills. As you’re hiring somebody from the legal sector, they must know how to use whatever information is available to strengthen your case, even if this means manipulating the facts in the courtroom. You need to bear in mind that the other party will have strong representation too, so hiring a lawyer that has plenty of experience in fighting cases similar to yours is crucial for success.
Effective Communication
Criminal defense lawyers must know how to communicate effectively with the judge, clients, jury members, and eyewitnesses. When facing the prosecution, criminal defense lawyers need to get their points across in a clear and cohesive manner, otherwise, you run the risk of your case not being taken seriously. Before making your final decision, you must look for criminal defense lawyers that have good client reviews so you can be confident that they know how to engage with all parties.
Public Speaking
When your case is presented to the jury, your criminal defense lawyer must know how to hold their own in a courtroom setting. Regardless of what you have been charged with, criminal defense lawyers must possess excellent public speaking skills. If you hire a lawyer who isn’t confident or has difficulty projecting their side, this will give more power to the other party. The words your criminal defense lawyer says matter and can be the difference between winning and losing your case.
Writing Skills
As well as public speaking skills, an effective criminal defense lawyer must have good writing skills, as these have the power to change the decisions of the courtroom. If the convicted person is unable to attend court, they will allow the lawyer to write down statements of their client and read it out to jury members.
Listening Skills
When dealing with a criminal case, your lawyer must possess excellent listening skills and be patient with their clients. It takes courage for a lawyer to represent clients who have carried out heinous crimes. So, hiring a criminal defense lawyer who listens to your needs and has an understanding of where you are coming from can help you get the outcome you envisaged. If a criminal defense lawyer doesn’t listen to their clients, they won’t be successful in obtaining all the information they need.
A criminal defense lawyer must work twice as hard when compared to the average lawyer. This is because misdemeanors and felonies are more challenging to fight in the courtroom. If you need the help of a criminal defense lawyer, they must possess all the skills above in order to strengthen your case and help you get the outcome you want.