It is important to have the best criminal defense lawyer if you are facing a criminal charge. Not all criminal lawyers are equal in terms of education and even case representation. Therefore, finding the right one for your case is crucial for a better defense.
Nonetheless, the process of seeking out a criminal lawyer can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with the ramifications of a criminal charge. However, with these top ten tips, you can make the whole process easier on you.
1. The Law Firm and Lawyer has to have Experience in the Field
Choosing a criminal defense lawyer with experience in this field is crucial for your case so is choosing the best law firm. If you have no clue of the lawyer’s experience with regard to your case, you can ask how long the firm has dealt with cases like yours.
The best firm for you will be familiar with the criminal charges you are facing. Likewise, the right criminal lawyer will have specialized in criminal law and be involved in day-to-day cases involving criminal law for a better defense. It is important you choose a lawyer who is up-to-date with cases similar to yours.
2. The Lawyer Should be Responsive
Time is always of essence whenever you are facing any charge, as time lost equals case lost. Therefore, you need a criminal defense lawyer that is going to start working on your case ASAP. This means when you contact them, they should respond with immediate effect.
Lawyers who are quick with emails and phone calls are likely to be on the feet, when it comes to defending you.
3. Look for a Lawyer with Local Court Experience
Apart from finding a reputable lawyer with criminal law qualifications and experience, make sure they also have experience in the local courts. This is because local connections and relations can help him prepare a better defense for your case.
Different courts as well as judges have their own way of doing things, so it is better for your lawyer to be familiar with everything concerning the court, to help him prepare a winning strategy for your criminal case.
4. Ask for Referrals
You can also ask family and friends if they know any good criminal defense lawyers that can represent you well in court. Likewise, if you often seek the advice of other lawyers for your business or estate, you can ask for some recommendations from them.
5. The Right Criminal Defense Lawyer Knows the Basics
As much as a lawyer can look things up, they should be familiar with the basics of most common crimes. This means that they should be in a position to elaborate to you the possible penalties you are facing with regard to your charge.
Consequently, the best criminal lawyer has to be familiar with the laws as well as the criminal justice system. The basics of this type of law should be at the tip of their fingers.
6. Make Sure Your Read their Reviews and Testimonial Page
Even though the lawyer is experienced in the field, you should still read their testimonial and review section for a better understanding of who they are. It is great to see what previous clients have to say about the firm or lawyer in question.
If you are having problems finding this section on their website, you can ask for it or use Google Plus or Yelp, in a bid to understand how they handle cases like yours.
7. Use Reputable Source to Check Them Out
The internet can help you learn a lot about a criminal defense lawyer, than any other source. You just have to make sure you use a reputable source like their website, the State Bar, Google Plus and even Facebook.
Google Plus and Facebook, do not allow for the removal of any review be it a good one or a bad one. The reviews here by former clients can give you an idea of whom you will be dealing with.
8. Look for a Lawyer with a Clear Fee Structure
Billing can be confusing, especially where a lawyer is involved. So make sure you deal with one with a clear fee structure, consisting of how they bill, the services they offer as well as the total cost for your criminal defense.
A low-cost lawyer is not always the best way to go, instead ask for the services offered first and ensure that the lawyer has the experience for the kind of defense you are looking for.
9. Opt for a Lawyer that Listens to You
Your criminal charge is always yours to defend. Your lawyer should just take directions from you with regard to what you want. It is up to you to decide to plead guilty or not guilty or choose to go to trial. Therefore, your lawyer should keep your needs in mind while filing court motions or choosing witnesses to call.
10. Look for a Lawyer with Enthusiasm
Some lawyers have an interest in their work than others. Others will do a better research and investigation than others just because they have a passion for what they do.
A good lawyer should be interested in your case and be ready to defend it on your behalf. This means that they should know if it is best to go to trial or not and only encourage you to take a plea deal if it is the best option for you.
The best way to find such a criminal defense lawyer is by looking for their level of enthusiasm. As much as experience is important, your interests are best represented with a person with a zeal for the job.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you need a good lawyer to win a case or to help you make the best possible choices with regard to your case. Therefore, make use of these few tips when it comes to finding one for a vigorous criminal defense.
I like your tip about how you should look for a lawyer with local court experience. My brother recently got into some legal trouble, and I want to help him find a lawyer. I will definitely keep your tips in mind while looking for a criminal defense lawyer for my brother.