When faced with criminal charges, you could be looking at a lengthy jail or prison sentence. Along with hefty fines, the criminal charges brought against you could ruin your reputation and haunt your future even if you aren’t convicted.
As such, it’s imperative that you choose the right criminal defense attorney to represent you in your case. There certainly are many qualified lawyers out there, but not all of them practice criminal defense. These tips will help you to find the right one to meet your needs.
Consider Experience Level
The attorney that you choose to represent you to fight those criminal charges must know the law from all angles. Ideally, they should have experience with all courts. They should also have experience representing those with similar charges to yours. For example, if you are facing charges of sexual assault, you don’t want a criminal defense lawyer that has only worked with defendants facing embezzlement charges.
Make Sure They Are Board-Certified
Additionally, choosing a criminal defense lawyer that is board-certified assures you that they are proficient in what they do. They should have a sizable number of jury trials under their belt and an excellent reputation in the field. The attorney you choose needs to be aggressive when it comes to defending you against the charges.
Take Advantage of the Free Consultation
Most lawyers will offer a free initial consultation. You’ll be able to discuss your case with confidentiality, but don’t forget to ask the attorney how they can best serve you. You should ask about any sentencing alternatives, whether or not they’ve handled cases like yours, and what the outcome could be.
It’s important to remember that you need to choose the right criminal defense attorney for your needs. They could be top-notch, but if they never handled charges like yours, they are not the right one for you.
Availability
One thing you do not want to happen is to choose a criminal defense lawyer that is not readily available. They should be able to take your calls and promptly get back to you about your inquiries. If they can’t make time for you in these simple matters, they aren’t the right attorney.
Check Their Fees
While the most expensive attorney may be out of reach, don’t be tempted to go with the one offering the lowest fees. The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to an attorney through a public defender if you cannot afford one. But it is far better to spend your money wisely on a criminal defense attorney who will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome.
Experience is something you need right now. Your reputation and livelihood are at stake when you are facing criminal charges. This is why you need to seek an attorney with experience with your type of charges, the availability you need, the certifications, and the success rate to help you put this unpleasant situation behind you.
While it may be a little work to find the right criminal defense lawyer, it is a critical decision to make. Choosing wisely can have a positive impact on the outcome of your future and your freedom.