Did you know there are over 243,000 defense attorneys in the United States?
That’s a lot of attorneys to choose from, but only one can be right for you. How do you know which one is right for your case?
The answer is simple. You need an attorney who understands how to handle cases like yours and has the experience necessary to get results.
If you are wondering how to choose a criminal defense lawyer, this simple guide is for you.
1. Get Recommendations From Friends and Family
Ask them if they would recommend that attorney to someone else in need of legal services and why or why not?
If you’re not sure what to ask or if the recommendation is too vague, ask for more detail and specifics. Ask how long they have known the criminal defense attorney and how their experience with them was.
2. Make Sure They Have Experience
Does your criminal defense attorney have experience with drug possession cases?
If so, then it’s likely that they will help you better than someone who only deals with assault cases. Make sure that they have experience with your specific type of case before hiring them.
3. Ask for References
Ask for references from prior clients who had similar charges to yours.
See how those clients were treated by their lawyers before deciding whether to hire them. You want someone who will treat you like a person and not just another number on their case list!
4. Check With Your Local Bar Association
Contacting your state bar association is another way to find out about disciplinary actions taken against the attorney. If there has been any history of misconduct on behalf of an attorney within your state jurisdiction area, this organization can tell you.
5. Ask About the Attorney’s Fees
You should always ask about the attorney’s fees upfront.
Make sure that they don’t charge an exorbitant amount for their services. You should also ask about any additional costs, such as filing fees or case-related expenses that are not included in the original fee.
6. Ask About the Attorney’s Background
Make sure that you know where your lawyer went to school and what their credentials are. This will help you determine whether they have a basic understanding of the law and how it applies to your situation.
7. Check Their Availability
The best criminal defense lawyer is available when needed, both during the case and after it concludes.
Many criminal defense attorneys offer 24/7 phone service so you can reach them day or night if something comes up unexpectedly. Ask what the attorney’s availability is like and make sure that they can be reached when needed.
Criminal Defense Lawyer: Give Your Case a Chance at Success
Choosing a criminal defense lawyer seems simple. All you have to do is pick the name out of the yellow pages or search results on Google.
However, hiring an attorney is arguably the most important decision you will make throughout the entire legal experience. Make sure that you’re choosing the right person for the job.
Don’t forget to browse our site for all of your legal needs.
