An individual charged with a crime for the first or second time may find themselves in serious trouble. How can they find the best criminal lawyer for me? Many people have friends or family who are lawyers. But is this the best lawyer for them? There are many attorneys on the Internet claiming to be experts. But how reliable is their websites – discover more?
Look for an experienced attorney. Find out how long they have been practicing law. Make sure they are a specialist in criminal law. Look at their website to see the type of cases they have handled.
An attorney who has experience in jury trials is a good choice. Ask the attorney how many jury trials they have conducted. A jury trial attorney will give you the best chance of an acquittal, if you are innocent or the prosecution cannot prove your case. Also, you have the most leverage when negotiating a plea deal in a case where you are guilty. Judges and prosecutors are more likely to trust attorneys who aren’t afraid to try a case. They also know the ones who have the most respect for their clients and offer the best dispositions.
Make sure that the attorney has tried the case. Some attorneys may specialize only in murder cases. Some may not be the right choice for your case regarding drunk driving or drug use. Make sure the attorney you choose has successfully represented a similar case to yours.
You should ensure that the attorney you hire is the one who will handle your case. You may be able to speak with a partner at a large firm who is a specialist in your case. However, this partner might pass your case on to someone less experienced. Make sure you are represented in court by the partner.
A professional website is essential. An attorney who is successful will have a professional website. A professional attorney will present himself professionally in every aspect, including how he presents himself in court.
Ask another attorney. Private practice attorneys know lawyers who are experts in every area of law. An excellent criminal lawyer can be identified by a family attorney who handles probate or real estate matters.
You get what your pay for. It’s not always a good idea to choose the most affordable attorney. Lawyers who have little to no experience are likely to charge less than attorneys with more experience. Many attorneys will not consider a case if they don’t intend to go to trial. The sole purpose of reviewing your case is to have you plead guilty. Before changing your plea, the attorney should investigate all options, including motions for dismissal and motions to suppress.