When facing criminal charges, you are at risk of serving a prison or jail sentence, being required to pay fines or restitution, participate in supervised probation, or be subject to other serious penalties. Your reputation, employment, and future opportunities might also be at risk.
To protect your legal rights, you should know how to choose a criminal defense lawyer who can take action as soon as possible. In criminal litigation situations, there’s no time to waste.
What Is a Defense Attorney?
The American legal system is divided into two general types of cases — criminal and civil matters. You may need a civil defense attorney if someone sues you for monetary damages.
When the government brings criminal charges against you, seeking penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, you need a criminal defense lawyer.
A criminal defense attorney’s job is to protect your legal rights, represent you in court and in negotiations with the prosecutor, and ensure you receive the best possible resolution to your criminal charges.
Depending on the charges and the relevant circumstances, a successful resolution could range from a reduced charge to a grant of probation to a full dismissal.
With so much on the line, having an experienced and aggressive lawyer in your corner can make or break your chances of a satisfactory outcome.
So, how do you find a criminal lawyer? Here are some tips to consider during your search.
5 Tips For How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with a crime, you need to make several important decisions quickly.
First, find a criminal lawyer you can trust to fight for your rights.
Consider these five tips to help you find a criminal lawyer to guide you through the legal system and advocate on your behalf.
Ask for referrals
Talk to trusted family and friends to see if they can recommend a good defense lawyer. Ask how the lawyer and law firm treated them, how the case proceeded, and whether the outcome was favorable.
If you already have a lawyer for other legal issues like personal injury or family law, ask them who they recommend for criminal defense work. Legal professionals often know lawyers who practice in different areas of the law and can suggest a defense lawyer with a solid reputation.
Do online research
Reputable law firms will have an online presence so prospective clients can learn about the lawyers and see what cases they accept. Look for a criminal defense lawyer with prior experience handling cases like yours. In criminal matters, extensive criminal experience and sufficient resources ensure the attorney will see your case through to the end.
Review the law firm’s track record in criminal cases. Decades of experience handling criminal cases won’t matter if the efforts did not succeed. Look for client reviews or testimonials to understand how the lawyer treated the clients and whether they were happy with the results.
Look at professional directories and websites
Beyond former client opinions, you can review bar associations and state directories to ensure the state disciplinary board has not censored or disciplined your potential criminal defense attorney and that they are licensed in good standing. You can also check for any pending complaints against the attorney or their firm.
These directories may also list awards or special accolades received by the lawyer indicating recognition by their peers or the judicial sector. You can find similar information on most law firm websites as well.
Meet with potential defense attorneys in person
A face-to-face meeting can show how you will get along with a potential criminal defense lawyer. First, you’ll see how quickly they respond to your call or online message and how quickly they can meet with you. If they are too busy to reply or can’t meet for a week, they may be too busy to handle your case properly.
Also, since you are potentially placing your freedom in their hands, you need to know if they have the knowledge and experience to create a solid legal strategy and approach to your case. Will they involve you in all important decisions, and do they have your best interests, goals, and priorities in mind? Or are you just another client file for them to process?
Determine if they have local connections in the county, state, or federal court that will hear your case. When your defense lawyer knows how the prosecutors and judges approach criminal cases like yours, they can explain how the case will likely proceed and the range of outcomes you may expect.
For example, they should have an idea of whether the prosecutor will offer a plea bargain and the terms it might contain. They should also explain how your judge will analyze the charges and the best way to build your defense.
Lastly, is the lawyer empathetic to your situation? Can you speak honestly and openly, and do you trust them? Do they have the time and energy to fight for you even if your case goes to trial?
Ask about their fee arrangement for criminal cases
Most criminal defense lawyers charge an hourly rate for their services.
Higher rates are not a guarantee of a better outcome. However, a lawyer with more experience who charges more per hour may resolve your case more quickly, resulting in lower attorney fees overall.
When You Are Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer, Consider the Experienced Team at Berry Law
John S. Berry , Criminal Defense Lawyer
Deciding which criminal attorney to work with is a big decision. The resolution of your pending charge can affect the rest of your life. Researching, asking for referrals, and meeting potential attorneys can help you find the right lawyer for your unique situation.
In Nebraska and Iowa, the team at Berry Law has successfully defended criminal clients since 1965, and we’re ready to go to battle for you. Call us at (402) 226-5908 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can help seek justice for you.
