Hiring locally is monumentally important when choosing a Long Island Criminal Defense Lawyer. Knowing the local prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officers, and anyone else who is involved in the legal process is at least half the battle when it comes to a criminal defense. When it comes to local criminal offenses, the criminal justice systems in Suffolk County and Nassau County are often powered by individual personalities and political agendas. Skilled defense is not just about how to defend an individual under the law, but also about dealing with conflicting interests in a manner that gives the client the best chance at victory. In any criminal case, a good Long Island Criminal Defense Lawyer will understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Jason Bassett also considers the case in the context of how to steer the system in order to protect his client’s best interests. Because each court will have its own unwritten rules of practice, a less experienced lawyer may quickly make a mistake that will color the defense of his or her client.