In Australia, before a lawyer can practice law, they must first be admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory. The second prerequisite is the proof of a practicing certificate issued in an Australian jurisdiction such as Sydney, Perth, etc.
Australian barristers are organized in one nation-wide representative body, called The Australian Bar Association. However, the body does have merely an honorific recognition and does not play any role in admission or practice matters. Becoming a member of the Australian Bar Association requires Australian practicing certificates for lawyers who are also members of a Territory Bar Association.
When hiring an attorney, checking the membership to one of the aforementioned institutions is the first step to ensure the person you want to hire has the necessary skills to represent you in court.
Criminal charges are stressful, no matter what they are. If you or someone you’re close to is faced with charges, then it’s time to consider an attorney. This can be a daunting process also, especially if you have never shopped for a lawyer before. Here are some things that you need to look for when you’re seeking out a criminal defense lawyer.
The Attorney Fights Regardless of Innocence
Innocence isn’t the most important factor to the attorney. A criminal defense attorney cares about protecting your rights. While you may be innocent, the point of the defense attorney is to guarantee that you receive a fair trial. It’s important that you choose a lawyer in Surrey that is not focused on whether you’re guilty or innocent. You shouldn’t have to worry about the lawyer spending a lot of time on that particular aspect of the case when there’s so much that he or she can use to fight for you.
The Attorney Goes Beyond Police Reports
The attorney is going to look beyond the police reports to fight for your case. They will look into other pieces of evidence, witness claims and even character witnesses to help you come out with either no charge or a lesser charge. He or she will go above and beyond a police report to make sure that your case is fought fairly.
The Attorney Insists on Silence
An attorney will make sure that you know when to speak and when not to speak. If you say too much, the other side can use it against you. Lawyers are well aware of this fact and will advise you on what to say and more importantly will probably advise you on what not to say to anyone. This is particularly true when it comes to what you say to the police.
The Attorney Keeps the Client Updated
This is one of the most crucial aspects of a good lawyer. Your lawyer should want to keep you updated on any changes to the case. You deserve to be kept in the loop on the process and the lawyer will want you as prepared as possible if the case goes to trial. A good attorney has open communication. He or she will not leave you in the dark about your case.
When it comes to criminal charges, you might feel like you’re in over your head. One of the best ways to alleviate that feeling is to have a lawyer ready to fight for you and to help you through the process. Legal matters are intimidating and complex. There’s no shame in needing a lawyer.
