If a person is charged with a crime in the first instance, they may be in real trouble. How do they choose the right criminal attorney to represent my case? Many people know someone who is a lawyer. Is that the best person to represent them? Although there are many lawyers claiming to know everything, how reliable are their websites and blogs? This article briefly addresses some of the things you should consider when selecting a criminal defense attorney – read here.
Choose an experienced attorney. Check how long the attorney has been practicing law. You should ensure that they are specialists in criminal law. Check out their website to find out the types of cases that they have dealt with.
A jury trial attorney is someone you should hire. Ask your attorney how many jury trials he/she has participated in. If you are not guilty, or the prosecution can prove their case, an attorney who has been to jury trials will have the best chance for you to be acquitted. They also have the greatest leverage in negotiating your plea in a case that you are guilty. Judges and Prosecutors know who is not afraid to take on a case. These are the people they respect the most and give the best dispositions to their clients.
You should ensure that the attorney has successfully tried your case. Some lawyers may be only qualified to handle murder cases. They might not be the best choice for your drunk driving case or your drug case. You should ensure that your attorney has successfully defended similar cases to yours.
It is important to ensure that you only hire the right attorney for your case. A large law firm may have a partner who is experienced in your case. But, they may refer you to an associate who has less experience. You should ensure that the partner representing you in court is yours.
You should look for a professional website. A professional looking website is essential for a successful attorney. An attorney who is professional will present himself as such in all aspects, including his online presence.
Ask another attorney. Ask another attorney. Private practice lawyers know attorneys who specialize in many areas of law. A family lawyer that handles your probate and real estate matters can likely recommend a great criminal attorney.
You get what you pay. It is not always smart to go with the cheapest lawyer. An attorney with less experience or none will charge a lot more than an experienced one. Some lawyers will accept a case without any intention of considering a trial. They will only review your case with the intent to plead guilty. The attorney should explore all avenues including motions of dismissal, suppression, and trial before changing your plea to guilty.