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What happens when you get arrested or charged with a crime? If you don’t hire a good lawyer, you might end up spending years behind bars.
The criminal justice system is complex and intimidating. There are thousands of lawyers who claim to represent clients in court. Some of them even offer free consultations. But how do you choose the right attorney?
When choosing a lawyer, you should look at their experience, reputation, and track record. In addition, you should ask potential lawyers questions about their fees and payment options. You can also find out if the bar association has ever disciplined them.
According to a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer, you should always consider whether you want an aggressive or a more passive approach to your case. Aggressive attorneys take charge of their cases, while a more passive one will let the prosecution handle the investigation. Whichever type of attorney you decide on, make sure they have adequate resources. Below are some tips to consider when hiring a criminal lawyer.
Consider Their Level of Experience
A well-experienced lawyer knows what they are doing. They know how to prepare for trial and negotiate plea deals. The best criminal defense lawyers also understand the law and its nuances. Criminal law can overwhelm a beginner, especially in court.
Ask for recommendations from work colleagues or other professionals in your community. It will ensure you get the best representation. Also, check out the lawyer’s website to see testimonials. Finally, look for letters of recommendation.
Remember the golden rule: do not hire anyone over the phone. The internet makes it easy to find legal help, but you shouldn’t hire anyone over the phone without meeting them first. When choosing a criminal lawyer, go through every step you follow when choosing the best surgeon for the most complex surgery.
Meet with several potential candidates and talk to them about your case. Then, make sure to follow up with the ones you think would provide the best service and have many years of experience in their practice. Rely on law firms’ offer to provide you with a free initial consultation. While you don’t have months or years to choose the best law firm, talk to at least two or three criminal defense attorneys to understand your legal options and defenses.
Look Into Their Disciplinary History
It’s important to know if the bar association reprimanded your prospective lawyer. Many attorneys are given warnings or suspensions for various offenses, such as neglecting client matters or failing to notify clients about settlements.
These punishments aren’t necessarily severe. However, they could affect your ability to negotiate a favorable settlement. So before deciding on any lawyer, check their disciplinary history with the bar.
Research Their Practice Area
Some lawyers specialize in certain areas of criminal law, including drunk driving or drug charges. A good lawyer should be familiar with these areas. This way, they won’t spend unnecessary time investigating issues that other experts may have thoroughly addressed.
Choose One That Is Confident but Has No Guarantees
Lawyers can sometimes become too attached to their cases. You need to choose one that is confident and willing to fight for you. They should be prepared to negotiate plea bargains and defend against prosecutors’ motions.
It’s important to note that many lawyers only take on high-profile cases. So before making this decision, ask yourself why you were arrested or charged. Maybe it wasn’t your fault at all. Also, be wary of attorneys guaranteeing you a favorable settlement or no jail time. In the American criminal justice system is hard to make such assessments, especially in the case evaluation stage. Finally, take the surefire promise of a win with a grain of salt, as your lawyer should tell you about the odds against you as well.
Check References and Credentials
Ask your friends and family members if they’ve used the services of the lawyer you’re considering. Even though most people don’t like talking bad about others, they might know someone else who had a similar experience.
If so, you should consider contacting them. Another option is to research the lawyer online. Look up information about their background and qualifications.
Read reviews for any criminal defense lawyer you are currently vetting written by former clients on their official websites.
After assessing the above factors, you’ll be able to find a lawyer that meets your needs. Remember, not all lawyers are created equal. Some are better than others. Make sure you hire the best lawyer for your case. Also, ensure that your lawyer has proper professional liability insurance and is licensed to practice. And finally, make sure that you discuss everything with your attorney. That is the number one thing you can do to increase your chances of winning your case and avoid fines, penalties, or even jail time.
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Thanks for these tips on choosing a criminal defense lawyer. My brother thinks he might need to hire one since he just got his second DUI. I’ll have to make sure he researches the lawyer’s practice area before choosing one like you suggested.