In the US, The average time served by exonerated individuals is more than 9 years, says The Washington Post. The same article further mentions that about 4.1 percent of defendants sentenced to death in the U.S. are innocent. The numbers are disheartening. While 1 percent might seem paltry, when you consider the country’s population, that’s still going to mean thousands of people being wrongfully convicted.
If you think your rights are being violated, if you’ve been wrongfully charged with a crime or misdemeanor, finding the right criminal lawyer can make a world of difference.
Negligence takes a toll
The article mentions a case in point: Rafael Suarez, who was wrongfully convicted. One thing that stands out from the recounting of his case is his lawyer’s failure to call the right witnesses to testify at the trial. He received a five-year sentence and spent 3 years in jail before he was released. That’s the last thing you want to happen to you. It also perfectly shows how essential the right lawyer is to your case.
Qualities to look for
Don’t just hire a general practitioner, though. Be on the lookout for someone who has a great deal of experience handling criminal cases. A successful record of representing clients and settling cases in court are also great qualities to consider.
Reviews and feedback matter
You might want to look online for reviews and feedback. That or ask around if you’re hiring a local lawyer. Either way should net you plenty of information about the lawyers on your list. This will help you choose the right one.
Lastly, it’s also wise to look for a criminal lawyer who respects your time and puts in the effort and hard work to handle your case. If your lawyer barely has time to meet you or work on your case, you might want to go for help elsewhere.
