Hiring a criminal defense attorney could be the last thing you’d ever thought you’ll do but life is full of surprises. It could be a situation where an instant judgment call is needed. With little research and tight deadlines, the clock could be ticking for your defense. You’ll still want to make sure that you’re looking for an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’re to get the best outcome for your case. In this post, we’re going to highlight some of the things to look for in a criminal defense attorney.
Experience
The first thing you’d want to make sure of is that you’re getting a law firm with experience in criminal law. This is because criminal law is complex in nature and you wouldn’t want someone that is just starting their career to represent you when facing a serious charge. An experienced attorney is one that has been practicing for a couple of years and has handled criminal cases that are similar to yours. Working with such an attorney provides the confidence that you’ll get the best outcome for your case. There are several experienced attorneys that you can choose from. You can find out more at Whitney S. Boan, P.A. website if you’re looking for an experienced attorney for your criminal case.
Are You Hiring an Attorney or a Team?
Such information will need to be clear from the onset before you can move forward with your case. There are some cases that are complex in nature and will require more than one attorney. It could also mean that you’re paying more for legal fees given the resources that will be allocated to the case. If you reach out to an attorney, there is a high likelihood that they’ll be handling multiple cases simultaneously. The attorney that you hire should make time for your case. They should also be available when needed.
First Impressions Matter
You need to take note of how easy or hard it was to get in touch with the attorney when you reached out for the first time. If the answers you got on the phone weren’t satisfactory, you shouldn’t expect to see any big difference when you meet the attorney in person. A good attorney will ensure that you’re getting a prompt response when you get in touch with them. They will also make sure that all your questions and concerns are being addressed.
Communication
Good communication is key when working with a lawyer. Since you don’t have any legal knowledge, you’ll be relying on the attorney to guide you through your case. There are also occasions that you’ll want to get updates on the development of the case. If you can’t easily get in touch with the attorney, the quality of legal representation could also be called into question.
Giving Your Version of Events
Your lawyer will want to hear your side of the story. It is important that you’re not leaving anything out if you’re to get the best representation. Any experienced criminal defense attorney will require that you’re doing your homework. The events leading to the arrest will need to be explained in detail. If there were any witnesses, you’ll also be required to mention them. The reason for this is that the attorney is preparing a formidable defense for your case.
There are no Guarantees
An attorney that can provide guarantees on your case should be a cause of concern. There are law firms that will want to take advantage of your vulnerability by guaranteeing results with the criminal case. A good attorney will present the possible outcomes but will not provide a guarantee. The only guarantee they’ll provide is that you’ll get the best legal representation regardless of the outcome of the case.
Compare Rates
Comparing rates can help you save money on the legal fees. A firm with a very low quote will be a red flag. Good legal representation requires resources. You can have an idea of how much you’ll be expected to pay by looking at the median rates. The lawyer should provide a breakdown of the fees so that you’re aware of what exactly it is that you’re paying for.
To Conclude
The decision to hire a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important ones that you’ll ever make in your life. A good attorney can have the charges significantly reduced or the case dismissed. That is why it is crucial that you’re not rushing the research process.
