Facing criminal charges would be a stressful experience for most people. Whether guilty or not, you don’t want to find yourself on the receiving end of penalties like fines, probation, community service, imprisonment, and reputational harm if found guilty. Depending on the nature of the charges, you may have to spend time in custody waiting for the trial’s outcome.
That’s one reason to hire an experienced, dependable, and successful criminal defense lawyer. You can’t afford to throw caution to the wind when the stakes are high and the possible negative outcomes are grave. The right lawyer can build a strong case whether you’re facing a felony or misdemeanor, protect your rights, and help you make good decisions.
But one lawyer isn’t necessarily as good as another, so you must carefully choose the right one to assist in your time of need.
Consider these five tips to find the right legal professional when facing criminal charges.
1. Find Someone with Criminal Law Experience
While some lawyers are jacks of all trades and offer assistance in various areas of the law, it’s best to hire a legal professional specializing in criminal law. A good defense lawyer will understand how the prosecution thinks, how applicable case law relates to your situation, and how to navigate the legal process to get you the desired outcome.
A criminal defense attorney will also understand the ins and outs of criminal law, and know the lay of the land as far as local courts and judges.
In addition to finding a lawyer specializing in criminal law, retain one who has helped people in your shoes. Whether you’ve been charged with a white-collar, drug offense, DUI, assault, or some other kind of crime, you’ll come out ahead with a lawyer possessing relevant criminal law experience.
2. Check Their Track Record
You also need to check the track record of any criminal defense lawyer you’re considering. While no lawyer can guarantee a win, some have better track records of success than others. Look into results like acquittals, dismissed charges, lessened sentences, and more.
When facing severe legal consequences, you’ll want all the help you can get. So, ask people you know for recommendations, read online reviews and testimonials, and ask the lawyers about their success rates.
Criminal defense lawyers with good track records won’t be shy about answering questions about their success.
3. Consider Local Knowledge
Another thing to keep in mind when you need a good criminal defense lawyer is local knowledge. Laws can differ depending on the state where an alleged infraction occurred.
That means it’s to your advantage to find a criminal defense lawyer who has a law practice in your area. The legal professional will have the inside knowledge that only a local lawyer will have. It can make a huge difference in the outcome of your criminal case.
4. Weigh Communication and Responsiveness
It’s essential to find a criminal defense lawyer you can work with. A criminal law case might drag on longer than you think, so hiring someone you can trust and depend on is key.
If you notice during the initial consultation that a lawyer talks at you rather than to you, make note of that. Just because someone’s whip-smart doesn’t mean they’re great communicators.
You’ll also want to consider responsiveness. In other words, consider whether or not any lawyer you contact responds to phone calls and emails. If they won’t during the consultation stage, don’t expect that to change if you hire them.
5. Ask About the Fee Structure
You’ll have to pay for the legal expertise you need. So, you’ll want to ask any lawyer you’re considering about their fee arrangements. Some charge a retainer, others charge flat fees, and some charge hourly rates. While none of these fee arrangements is wrong, you’ll want to take notice if a lawyer is less than transparent about fees.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer, consider these recommendations to find the right one. Facing criminal charges is stressful, but the right lawyer in your corner will help.
