Have you been charged with a criminal offense? It doesn’t matter how serious the charge is, but we know that handling the process the right way will be crucial.
One of the most important things is choosing the right defense attorney. Picking one is difficult because there are many attorneys who offer services for different budgets. How can you know which one is the right one for your case?
Don’t worry. We have you covered.
Ready to learn more?
Finding the Right Defense Attorney: Where to Start?
We all know finding a criminal defense attorney is an epic odyssey. You probably were just charged and don’t have much time to do your research. If you consider the following aspects, you’ll hire the right one in no time.
Here are the most important things you should look in lawyers for criminal cases:
1. A Real Criminal Defense Attorney
You might be thinking so what do we mean by real. Today, there are many lawyers who just want to get clients through their door and work any case that comes their way.
We shouldn’t blame them. They’re only human and have bills to pay. Yet, this means that you shouldn’t hire just any lawyer who’s open to seeing your case.
There are lawyers who only work criminal cases. These are an ideal choice because they know the inner workings of criminal cases, so you won’t be their guinea pig.
2. Board Certified Attorneys
You might not have heard about board certifications for lawyers, but just like doctors, they may get certifications in their practice areas. Some attorneys are board certified, which means they underwent a complex examination process and possess expertise in that area.
You may find law practices like Madrid Law that have lawyers who are board certified in criminal defense. If you hire a certified attorney, you might get the best outcome in your case.
3. Can Handle Your Case
Just because an attorney works or practices the area of law, it doesn’t mean that he or she is the right one for your case. They might work criminal defense, but maybe they don’t specialize in DUIs or drug possession.
Depending on the type of charges against you, the lawyer you hire should have experience in handling those cases. A DUI lawyer may not have the know how to represent you adequately in a drug possession case.
Before you hire a criminal defense attorney, make sure that he or she is used with cases like yours.
4. Experience with a Capital E
Many people forget to ask a lawyer about their experience before hiring them.
Their experience can give you an idea of how they will tackle your case. One way to know is by asking them how many cases like yours they have had before. Maybe they’ve worked many drug possession cases but aren’t used to work DUIs.
Another good idea would be to ask them how they’ve handled cases similar to yours. What were the outcomes he or she has obtained for their clients?
5. Free Consultation
Free consultations are rule of thumb tell about lawyers. We understand that they have bills to pay but, but offering your first consultation free is a good start. Through a free consultation, you’ll have an idea of how they’ll work your case, and if they’re the right lawyer for you.
When you go to your first meeting with your lawyer, make a list of questions you’re going to ask them. After this consultation, they’ll charge you for every meeting, so you have to know what you’re getting into before hiring them.
6. Will Be by Your Side at All Times
Today, big law practices are very common. Only one name may be on the door, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be the one who’s going to represent you in court. Make sure to ask during your initial consultation if they’ll be the ones overseeing your case.
You want to get to know who you’re hiring. If you’re told that another lawyer will handle your case, ask for a consultation with that lawyer. You want to make sure he or she is the right choice for you.
7. They’re Open about Their Fees
When it comes to fees, many people focus on how fast they need their lawyer and forget to ask all about how much they’ll charge. At the end of the day, many of them get stuck with a huge bill that they won’t be able to pay. This translates into headaches and collection agency nightmares.
When you meet with your lawyer, he or she should be able to tell you how much they’ll charge you. Will it be a flat rate fee, or how much they’ll request for each service?
You should get a clear answer. At the end of the day, you’re the one paying them.
8. Clean Record
Lawyers must follow some strict ethical rules. Some of them don’t and end up disbarred. Yet, there are many attorneys who are still able to practice even though they’ve been found in violation of their Ethics Code.
Before hiring a lawyer, you should look into their ethical record. A lawyer’s ethics can tell the whole story about what you can expect when you hire them.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what you should look in your defense attorney, you’ll have the best lawyer in your corner. Remember that you should pay attention to the basics. Ask him or her all your questions before hiring them.
Focus on their practice area, experience, fees, and record. If you do this, you’ll be able to spot the right lawyer a mile away.
Have you or someone you know been charged with a criminal offense? Looking for a lawyer?
Search our Criminal Defense Attorney listings for a lawyer near you.