If you’re facing criminal charges, then a lot is riding on the skill of the lawyer that you choose to defend you. Here are some key qualities to look for in an effective criminal defense lawyer in Bakersfield.
1. Communication Skills
The most essential basic skill that any lawyer needs to have is communication. A lawyer has to be able to talk to you and genuinely understand your situation as well as what happened from your perspective. Then, your lawyer needs to be able to talk effectively with the prosecution and the police to get their understanding of the situation, figure out what they’re thinking, and possibly negotiate a plea deal.
If the case goes to court, your lawyer needs to be able to persuasively give your side of things to the judge and jury and do a good job of picking through the arguments and testimony brought up by the prosecution. If you feel that your lawyer is not communicating well with you right from the beginning, they may not have the skills necessary to help you.
2. Passion for Justice
An effective lawyer thinks beyond just the question of “did a person do this crime or not?” They realize that justice is a lot bigger than this. They are committed to the idea that everyone is innocent unless it can be proved that they are guilty. They are committed to the idea that even a guilty person deserves their day in court and the best possible defense that can be made on their behalf. An effective criminal defense lawyer channels this passion into providing an excellent defense for every client, regardless of the circumstances.
3. Knowledge of the Law
It should go without saying that no lawyer can be effective without a thorough and comprehensive understanding of California’s criminal law and of all the local ordinances and statutes that may come into play. Some of this knowledge will be based on studies at school and training, but a lot of it can only come through experience.
It’s not just what the law “says,” but what it really means and how it is typically applied in California’s courts that matters. An effective lawyer has a lot of experience and knows how all of these laws are likely to play out in your specific situation and how best to use the law in your defense.
4. Objective Judgement
Another important quality for an effective lawyer of any sort is the ability to make decisions that are entirely rational and objective based on the realities of the situation and what is best for their client. An ineffective lawyer is likely to promise things that they can’t actually deliver, or, they may get emotionally involved to the point where their judgment is compromised, perhaps even by their own refusal to be considered “wrong.” An effective lawyer knows how to pivot when circumstances require it, when it’s important to stand strong, and when it’s right to compromise.
If you’ve been charged and are looking for effective criminal defense, contact Humphrey & Thompson Attorneys at Law in Bakersfield, CA, today.
