Fraud crimes are different from the normal crimes handled in police stations and magistrates courts. They require an experienced lawyer, with specialist knowledge in the field and a set of skills that general-duty lawyers do not posses. While general criminal lawyers will promise the best representation, it is important to note that fraud barristers will always be better. When faced with an alleged fraud crime, therefore, dont be duped into accepting the local duty barrister at your disposal. The following set of qualities may not be exclusive enough but will help you see a good lawyer from the first day.
A solid understanding of the law
Fraud and financial crime laws have changed over time, with significant additions to the new Fraud Act. When shopping around for the best lawyer, therefore, a solid understanding of this new development will indicate how experienced and in touch the person is. If you have the kind of lawyer that is capable of taking legal jargon and expressing it clearly in plain English, you find it easier to follow the proceedings. The lawyer should be in touch with past proceedings and have the ability to reconcile them with the new procedures and requirements. While it is not possible to discern this skill from interviews, seek reviews and recommendations from clients that have engaged such lawyers in recent times.
A good grasp of financial basics
Proper representation in fraud crimes takes more than legal practice. No matter how much these barristers understand the law; they may not be adequate unless they understand some financial basics such as company law, tax and banking. Most fraud defence lawyers have no hands-on experience of the commercial life. Your first meeting with such a lawyer gives you an opportunity to vet them. Ask all the relevant questions to determine their understanding of tax procedures before you hire them to represent you on the tax evasion claim.
Entering the prosecutions frame of mind
Top fraud barristers should be able to enter and think from the prosecutions frame of reference. Understanding the approach that a prosecutor is using will help the lawyer to prepare a stronger strategy that will wrong-foot the prosecutor. The pre-trial sessions present a good opportunity for an experienced lawyer to see aggressive and biased interviewing tendencies. This will help him or her anticipate some of the cross-examination questions and prepare to counter them adequately.
A good grasp of the material
A fraud case involves an enormous volume of paperwork, which should be filed, read and analysed by the lawyer in order to offer an information-based form of representation. There is nothing more valuable than grasping the material in absolute detail. A good barrister should have the ability to go through all documents and design an executive summary that captures all the important points. Consider their reaction when availing the paperwork. If they seem rather overwhelmed, perhaps he or she is not the right person for the job.
Detailed understanding of the client
The jury will only drop charges against you in an instance where the defence lawyer represents you in a matter that shows absolute understanding. A good lawyer should listen to you clearly and give you time to express yourself if necessary. In fact, some of the cases that look so weak on paper have been won because there is mutual understanding between the client and their lawyers. Ideally, look for the barrister that is always available for you and willing to explain every detail regarding the proceedings.
Conclusively, there are several dynamics that go into finding a good lawyer. Obvious considerations such as education qualifications, licensing and experience should be considered first before going into such details that will help you point out the best fraud barristers from the first day.