Facing criminal charges can be one of the scariest and most stressful situation you will ever face. The consequences of a criminal conviction can include hefty fines, jail time, and a permanent record which can impact every aspect of your future. That’s why hiring the best criminal defense attorney to fight for you is imperative.
According to Truckee Criminal Defense Attorney Conor Bell, finding the best lawyer for your case needs a lot of research and consideration of a lot of factors. To guide you in your search for the best criminal defense lawyer, we’ve listed seven expert-vetted tips you can follow.
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Visit Specialist Agencies Or Bar Association Websites
Some lawyers handle all types of cases and only work on criminal defense from time to time. But when searching for an attorney to represent you, the best decision you can make is to entrust your case and freedom to a legal professional specializing in criminal law.
Specialist agencies and state bars are your top resources in finding lawyers that have the knowledge and experience in criminal court. They list names of people that have passed additional tests and have been subjected to review by judges, prosecutors, and other professionals in the legal industry.
Prioritize Criminal Defense Lawyers Experienced In The Local Courts
Aside from choosing an attorney with regular involvement in criminal law, look for a criminal defense lawyer familiar with your local court. That way, you can have a major advantage in your case with their knowledge of how judges and prosecutors operate.
Choosing a local criminal defense attorney can go a long way when fighting a criminal charge. They won’t have to waste time traveling between cities to represent you in your local court and investigate your case.
Ask For Referrals
One of the fastest ways to find the best attorney is to ask your friends and families if they know any reputable criminal defense lawyer. Those who have experienced a similar situation have valuable insights on where and how to find the best lawyers.
If you have a family lawyer, you can also ask them for recommendations. They may have colleagues who specialize in your case that they trust. Word of mouth can be an excellent way to get honest opinions, especially when the person you’re asking is close to you.
Look For Lawyers With Experience In Handling Cases Similar To Yours
You must understand that within the criminal law are various areas. Some of the common examples include burglary, driving under the influence, manslaughter, and sexual assault. While browsing through the list of criminal defense lawyers, look into the cases they handled.
If you can, you should consider interviewing the criminal defense lawyer and ask if they have previous experience with cases similar to yours. Do they have experience building a defense for your specific situation? The best attorney is someone who understands the laws and procedures relevant to your criminal case.
Check Their Reputation By Reading Reviews
Thanks to the power of the internet, you can find out more about a lawyer in a matter of minutes. Before hiring one, you must always check if they have a good reputation. Don’t rely on good advertising or base your decision on law firm websites that appear on top search results.
Most of the time, these lawyers pay for search engine optimization or SEO to put their name on the first page of search results. However, this doesn’t immediately equate to being the best criminal defense attorney. You’re better off reading real reviews from the lawyer’s previous clients on Google, Yelp, or the firm’s website.
Check The Way They Communicate With Clients
Remember that you’ll be spending most of your time working with your lawyer to look for loopholes in your case and build a strong defense. That means you must choose a criminal defense attorney that has excellent communication skills.
Pay attention to how fast they respond to your queries. Do they provide their email address and other forms of communication? The best criminal defense attorney builds an atmosphere that enables you to communicate with them freely and comfortably.
Gauge Their Passion For The Law And Their Record For Taking Cases To Trial
The best criminal defense attorney is passionate about protecting the rights of their clients. While narrowing down your options, consider booking a consultation with each attorney and discussing your case.
You want to watch out for a lawyer that provides a sincere interest in your case. Do they listen to your story and ask questions about your situation? Try to look at their record and see if most cases are resolved by plea bargains. Do they show a resolve to go all the way for clients, even if the case reaches court?
Takeaway
When you face criminal charges, you must work with a skilled and reputable criminal defense lawyer to fight for your rights and ensure the best possible result for your case. Don’t just hire the first lawyer you come in contact with. Follow the steps above to make sure you are choosing a competent criminal defense lawyer that will go the extra mile to win, if not find the best outcome possible.