Facing criminal charges can be devastating for anyone. It can ruin your reputation and even put your life at risk. This is why choosing the right criminal defense lawyer is so important.
In your initial consultation, ask about the attorney’s experience. Be wary of lawyers who refuse to discuss their experience or give vague answers.
Experience
A criminal case can be lengthy and complicated. You need an attorney with the experience and knowledge to guide you through this process and protect your rights.
A lawyer specializing in criminal law is often up to date on the latest legislation, changes, and sanctions that may affect your case. Additionally, a lawyer focusing on criminal defense can better anticipate what to expect during your trial because they have handled similar cases.
When choosing the best criminal defense lawyer, ask friends and family for recommendations or search online. Review the attorneys’ websites to learn about their qualifications, including their years of experience and whether they have defended people charged with criminal offenses. Ideally, it would help to choose an attorney with local expertise because they will be familiar with your jurisdiction’s prosecutors, judges, and police officers. This can help them plan a more robust and more effective defense strategy on your behalf.
Reputation
When facing criminal charges, the reputation of your lawyer is essential. You want someone who is reputable and has a good track record of success. You can check the attorney’s reputation online or through the State Bar to see what others have said about them.
You also want to determine if the attorney has a private practice or works in a large firm. A private criminal defense attorney will often be more personal and willing to spend time with you as your case progresses. They should be able to answer your questions and make you feel like they are taking your case seriously.
Another way to find an excellent criminal defense lawyer is to ask for referrals from friends and family in similar situations. You can then ask those individuals what their experience was like with their attorney and whether they were happy with the outcome of their case. For instance, a Monmouth County divorce lawyer which handles any legal issues or disputes you and your spouse may face in your divorce. This is a valuable source of information that you should take advantage of as much as possible.
Related: How Do Criminal Background Checks Affect Employers?
Fees
If you’re facing criminal charges, the lawyer you hire will impact your finances and (in severe cases) your freedom. The right criminal defense lawyer will deeply understand the laws regarding your particular charge and can help you navigate the process with confidence.
When researching attorneys, be sure to ask about their rates. Please find out how much they typically charge for an initial consultation and their hourly rate.
Attorneys who charge by the hour often bill for expenses like photocopying, research, travel, the use of a paralegal, and time spent corresponding with clients over the phone or email. Some attorneys may even have a minimum billing increment of around 10-15 minutes.
A great criminal defense attorney should be able to quickly provide references from past clients who can speak to their experience and competency. Also, see if the attorney seems engaged during your initial consultation or can be reached by phone or email when you have questions.
Communication
The process can feel overwhelming and intimidating when you’re facing criminal charges. An excellent criminal defense lawyer will make the situation much more manageable and give you confidence that you’ll have a strong defense. However, not all lawyers are created equal, and you must do your homework before choosing an attorney.
One way to find the right criminal defense attorney for your case is by asking friends and family for recommendations. Another option is to search for attorneys through third-party services such as Super Lawyers. It’s also good to check the state bar association website and read online reviews.
Finally, look for a criminal defense law firm that employs multiple experienced attorneys. This will ensure that an experienced lawyer is always handling your case. It will also prevent the attorney from delegating your case to someone else, which could lead to missed deadlines and a less-than-satisfactory outcome.
My Life, I Guess is a personal finance and career blog by Amanda Kay, an Employment Specialist and older millennial from Ontario, Canada that strives to keep the "person" in personal finance by writing about money, mistakes, and making a living. She focuses on what it’s like being in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and surviving unemployment while also offering advice and support for others in similar situations - including a FREE library of career & job search resources.