Friday, July 24, 2009

7 Things to Consider When Hiring a Criminal Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you consult an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Having a skilled, aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side may be the difference between a prison sentence and a reduced or dismissed criminal charge. When searching for the right criminal lawyer, it is important to take into account the following considerations:

1Criminal Conviction Can Affect Your Future
A criminal conviction, even if it seems minor, can haunt you for the rest of your life. Having a criminal record may affect your future social, educational and career opportunities. That is why it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal law attorney who will thoroughly investigate your case and aggressively fight to get your charges reduced, if not dropped altogether.  

2Don't Waste Time, Time Is Freedom
If you have been charged with a crime, don't waste time by waiting around to see what happens. In most cases, the sooner an attorney gets involved in a criminal investigation, the better the results will be for the defendant. An experienced criminal defense attorney will evaluate every detail and every shred of evidence to find out exactly what happened. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of the evidence becoming contaminated or altered or key witnesses forgetting exactly what happened.

3You Need an Attorney that Specializes in Handling Cases Involving your Charge
It is important to hire an attorney that specializes in defending the rights of individuals charged with your specific crime. For instance, if you are arrested for drunk driving, it is important to hire a qualified, experienced DUI attorney who understands the laws associated with driving under the influence and will be able to identify any loop holes that will help get your charges reduced or dismissed.

4You Need an Attorney that is Familiar with Local Court Customs and Procedures
It is critical to hire a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the local court customs and procedures where you were arrested. Local defense attorneys will also be familiar with local prosecutors and will have a better chance at negotiating a deal to reduce your charges or lessen your sentence.

5Open Communication is Key

It is important to have open communication with your criminal defense attorney, beginning with the initial consultation, so you have a clear, realistic understanding of the situation and your possible punishment. When choosing your attorney, make sure you feel comfortable with him or her before making a commitment to move forward.

6A criminal Defense Attorney Can Save You Money
A criminal conviction can cost a lot of money in fines, penalties and restitution. That is why it is important to have a qualified criminal defense attorney on your side who may be able to get your charges and fines reduced.

7Even If You Are Guilty, A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Still Help You
Even if you did commit the crime and all the evidence points to you, it is imperative to contact a criminal law lawyer who will serve as your advocate. After thoroughly investigating the details of your case and negotiating with the prosecutor, it is highly likely that a criminal attorney will be able to get your charges reduced and your sentence lessened.

Source: http://www.criminal-law-lawyer-source.com/

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