When searching for a good criminal defense attorney, there are several factors that you need to consider.
It is vital that you pick someone that’s licensed to practice in your state. It’s also important that he has the right qualities you are looking for. Plus, he should be someone who can provide your case with proper attention.
With a lot of factors that you need to take into consideration, choosing the right criminal defense lawyer will depend on your willingness to know the qualities that matter to you. You should also factor in the amount of research that you need to do.
Here are the eight crucial factors that you need to consider when hiring a criminal defense lawyer:
1. Competence
Checking the license of the attorney alone wouldn’t suffice. If you want to successfully navigate complicated legal processes, make sure that you work with an experienced lawyer.
The criminal defense attorney that you should work with should have a number of years in experience in criminal defense law. You should also look for someone who has experience handling various types of criminal defense cases.
Only lawyers that have sufficient experience and the right credentials will be the right person to fight for you in the courtroom.
2. Location
Another thing that you need to take into consideration when hiring a criminal defense attorney is the location.
Ideally, you must work with someone who is licensed to practice in your state. That way, they can effectively represent you. Apart from that, they should also be familiar with the rules, as well as the local court system that will help benefit your case.
In most cases, familiarity has significant advantages. The attorney you work with can be familiar with the prosecutor or judge, as well as know what strategy to use to effectively work on the case.
3. Specialization
Again, not all lawyers have experience handling all types of cases.
Although a lot of attorneys have experience handling routine defense cases, there are those with specialization. These concentrations might include theft, technical crimes, violent crimes, domestic crimes, and DUI.
It helps that you find a lawyer that has the concentration that’s related to your charges. That’s because it would usually mean they have significant experience in that area of criminal defense.
4. Pricing
When you’re facing criminal charges, money comes second.
Ideally, you shouldn’t compare lawyers based on the fees they charge. But it’s also wise on your part to know how much this will cost you.
The cost of hiring an experienced attorney will depend on the following factors:
- The severity of the charges
- Duration of the case
- Experience of the attorney handling your case
- The jurisdiction where the case is filed
Make sure that you consider all of these factors to ensure that you work with a quality lawyer that charges reasonable fees.
5. Track Record
When looking for criminal defense attorneys, you’ll lawyers with comparable experience and qualities.
That’s why you must choose someone with an excellent track record.
Does the attorney’s track record match their experience? You can find out more about the lawyer when they tell you about their experience and the clients they’ve worked within the past.
It also helps you check the results of their previous cases.
6. Client Reviews
In this highly digital age, it’s easy to look for virtually all kinds of reviews online. This includes product reviews or client testimonials.
According to Daniel Schellenberg, criminal lawyer, great attorneys should have an excellent track record. Meaning, they can provide excellent results for clients, and that it’s consistent throughout the years.
If you’re checking for online reviews, see if they’re left there for a short period. Excellent criminal defense attorneys should have a lot of positive reviews over a lengthy period of time.
7. Communication
A great criminal defense attorney should know how to communicate effectively. After all, you’ll be spending a significant portion of your time with them.
They should also be able to communicate with you promptly if they have any concerns.
Moreover, the attorney that you’ll choose to work with should be able to write and communicate things that make sense to you.
8. Professionalism
Finally, you must work with an attorney who is organized and deals with you in the most professional way possible.
They should be able to return your calls promptly if they promised to do so. They should also be there during scheduled meetings. Not to mention that your lawyer should be focused when you’re discussing your case.
Additionally, they should have an updated website that contains all the relevant and important information.
Over to You
Hiring the right criminal defense attorney can be one of the most crucial decisions that you have to make.
Your freedom is on the line here. So it helps that you work with someone who will defend you in the courtroom. Someone who is capable of providing you with positive results.
Lily B
admin34
Ashley R
Patricia C
Suzy V
