Choosing a Qualified Criminal Law Attorney

If you are charged with a crime, you may be facing serious consequences such as hefty fines, jail time, probation, a tainted record, and more. Not having an experienced criminal defense lawyer with a stellar reputation by your side can cost you a lot more than just money.

If you’ve been accused of committing a crime, whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, your top priority is to prepare for your next scheduled court date. The best way to do this is by immediately seeking the help of a qualified lawyer with extensive experience in the field of criminal defense law. One of the most important criteria when selecting an attorney for your case is “trust.” But how do you know who to trust?

Follow these legal tips to ensure you choose a good criminal defense lawyer who can aggressively defend your legal rights, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges or minimize your penalties, and ensure your interests are fully protected:

DO pick an attorney that practices criminal law

Whether or not your particular case will be settled through a plea bargain or headed for trial, it is vital to choose an attorney who is knowledgeable in criminal law and is able to try your case in front of a jury. Lawyers who have no experience defending criminal cases won’t have a comprehensive understanding of the rules of evidence, will have difficulty identifying the weaknesses and strengths of your case, and will have little credibility to negotiate a good deal for you.

DO watch out for a lawyer that practices in various areas

A lawyer who practices personal injury law one day, divorce the next, and criminal defense after that lacks the experience and knowledge necessary to provide you with the commitment or specialization that your case requires. Only choose attorneys who practice criminal law exclusively.

DO steer clear of lawyers that guarantee a result

If you consult with a lawyer who promises you certain results—particularly before he’s even evaluated your case—immediately cross him/her off your list. Criminal law is complicated and every case is unique. There are no guarantees or simple answers. Any attorney who makes promises to obtain certain results in a criminal law case is not worth your trust.

DO choose a lawyer that can clearly explain your situation and your legal rights

Your lawyer should be able to simply and clearly explain the criminal charges against you, what they entail, your legal rights, what prosecution has to prove, and how evidence can be used against you in court. Your criminal law lawyer should also explain the possible consequences you may face for your charges. And remember, a lawyer should always be direct, honest, and to the point, rather than promising that you will “win your case.”

DON’T bargain shop for a criminal lawyer

While an affordable attorney is a legitimate concern, it should never be the main priority. There are too many things at stake and you need the best attorney who can ensure your rights and interests are fully protected every step of the way. Attitude, compassion, and experience are very important when it comes to choosing a criminal law lawyer.

Many lawyers will quote a flat fee, but this fee is not just for the hours they may work on your case. You are also paying for their skills, experience, and qualifications. Fees are often based on the difficulty of the case and the amount of time the lawyer and staff spend researching and preparing. Expect a larger fee if your case is expected to go to trial.

DON’T be scared to discuss lawyer fees

You have a right to know how much a criminal law lawyer will charge you before deciding to hire him or her. The lawyer should be able to tell you during the initial consultation how much the services will cost you.

DON’T choose a lawyer that can’t answer your questions or address your concerns

Does the lawyer answer all of your questions using language and terms that you can understand? Does he/she return your phone calls and spend time with you going over your case? Are you frequently updated on the circumstances surrounding your case? A good criminal law lawyer should be able to provide you with all of the above services and make you feel relaxed and at ease. If you experience a bad feeling with one lawyer, seek the assistance of another one.

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

Interviewing a Criminal Law Attorney

Once you have identified a handful of lawyers who might suit your needs (perhaps they are in your neighborhood, or specialize in a certain type of case), you may be able to set up an initial consultation on the telephone so that you can ask some preliminary questions before you commit yourself to a formal, in-person interview. Ideally, the answers you get will help you screen candidates until you have only a few lawyers to interview. To help you choose a lawyer, it might also be a good idea to write down any answers you get. You can compare the answers to help you choose the lawyer(s) you would like to interview.

Some initial questions you might ask include:

• Does the lawyer provide a free consultation? If the lawyer charges for an initial interview, how much does it cost? How long is the initial interview or consultation?
  
  
• What type of fee arrangement does the lawyer require? Can you negotiate the fees? Additional information about legal fees and costs may help you ask additional questions on this topic.
  
  
• Has the lawyer handled similar cases? What percentage of the lawyer's cases are similar to yours? When was the last time the lawyer handled a similar case?
  
  
• How long has the lawyer been in practice? Where is the lawyer licensed to practice? Has the lawyer been investigated or disciplined before by state licensing authorities? If so, for what?
  
  
• Can the lawyer provide references from other clients?
  
  
• If the lawyer cannot handle your case, can the lawyer provide references to other lawyers?
  
  
• What type of information should you bring to a meeting with the lawyer?
  
  
• What is the range of possible outcomes for your case, including rough estimates of time and cost? Based on your brief description of the problem, your lawyer may be able to provide some general estimates.
  
  
• Will the lawyer handle the case or will others work on it also?
  
  
• What type of caseload does the lawyer currently have? What is the scope of the lawyer's existing commitments? Will the lawyer have sufficient time to devote to your case? 

If you are able to narrow down your choices, you should be able to make an appointment with a lawyer to discuss the case in detail. During the initial interview you will likely be asked about the specifics of your case. In order to prepare for the meeting, you should gather all the information (documents, contact information) pertinent too your situation. You will want to bring those materials, along with a set of questions about the legal relationship you may have to the meeting. 

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/