What should a lawyer ensure when accepting a case involving a client with a criminal record?

When accepting a case involving a client with a criminal record, a lawyer must ensure that there is no conflict of interest that would prevent them from providing effective representation. This means considering any prior relationships or professional obligations that might impact their impartiality or ability to advocate for the client's best interests. It is essential for the lawyer to evaluate whether they can represent the client without any ethical dilemmas or divided loyalties arising from their previous cases or connections.

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify a client from receiving legal representation. Lawyers often work with clients who have various degrees of criminal history, provided that no professional conflict exists. Therefore, verifying the absence of a conflict of interest is a critical step in establishing a responsible and ethical attorney-client relationship.

The other options do not accurately reflect the considerations a lawyer should prioritize. For instance, a completely expunged record is not a prerequisite for representation, and there are typically no fee limitations in such contexts unless governed by specific regulations. Additionally, the assertion that lawyers can only represent clients with misdemeanors is overly restrictive and incorrect, as legal representation encompasses a broad range of offenses.