Things To Keep In Mind Before Selecting A Criminal Defense Lawyer

Things To Keep In Mind Before Selecting A Criminal Defense Lawyer

Even though charges brought up against you seem like the most challenging part of a criminal case, finding the right lawyer proves otherwise. Not only are you looking for a lawyer that is affordable, but you want one that is experienced and reputable as well. In addition to figuring out which lawyer will be suit you for your case, you also want to make sure you can get along with them throughout the duration of your working relationship. Pay close attention to how they handle their staff, as well as how they handle phone calls taken in your presence in order to make this determination.

Here are some points to keep in mind during the selection process:

Do Your Research: While word of mouth references do prove beneficial, it is not recommended that you use only these leads. You want to focus your search on criminal defense attorneys who have experience working with other prosecutors in the area, who have handled multiple cases similar to what you are hiring them for, and one who will be able to work their way through the process without missing anything that could benefit your case.

Narrow Down The Search: When interviewing criminal defense lawyers, it is essential to ask them pointed questions about their experience with cases such as yours. If they have minimal experience with these types of cases, it’s best to move on to another. Otherwise, by trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, you could jeopardize the outcome of your case. Because criminal defense attorneys focus on a variety of crimes, keep in mind they are not required to have one specific specialty.

Focus On What Is Important: When sorting through which lawyers to interview, think about who you want to work with for a long period of time. If your case is particularly complex, you will want to work with someone you get along with. Therefore, think about the qualities you want in this person. Do you want someone who has many years of experience and a track record of cases to show you? Do you want to work with a younger lawyer who is willing to put in a lot of time and effort into your case as they work their way up through the ranks?

How Established Are The Lawyers: During the interview process, ask each lawyer which legal organizations they are a member of. If they aren’t a member of any, ask them why. When an attorney belongs to an organization or association, you are able to tell they are committed to criminal law.

Get References: Even though it isn’t a good idea to focus your search on word-of-mouth leads, it is a good idea to use references. Have any of your friends or family members uses the lawyers you are interviewing? If so, ask them about their experiences – good and bad. If no one has used the attorneys you are interviewing, ask them to provide you with at least three references during the interview. That way, you can hear from others how their cases were handled. If they were not able to provide references, ask them to show you examples of cases they have won that are similar to yours.

Use Public Defenders Only If Needed: Typically, a public defender is hired only when the person is unable to afford to hire an attorney of their own. Therefore, only use a public defender if it is necessary. These attorneys tend to have a full schedule, very little time to spend with clients, and limited resources. Even though they work as best as they can for each client, oftentimes the case ends in a way that is not favorable.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential lawyers to hire, there are some additional questions you can ask to further determine how experienced they are. For example, if they have taught law courses at an accredited school you know they have background in research, fieldwork, and a firm understanding of how to run a reputable law practice. In addition to having a firm understanding of the lawyer’s experience, you also have to know what their billing procedures are. Obtain all this information up front, including what their retainer is, so you are able to prepare for these costs.