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Tips for Picking A Criminal Lawyer to Represent You

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When you or someone you love is facing a criminal charge of any sort, whether it’s a DUI, theft or something else, you want an experienced criminal lawyer to represent the case. But there are many criminal lawyers to choose from, so how do you know you’re making the right choice?

A criminal lawyer also referred to as a criminal defense lawyer, is there to help fight your case in terms of helping to defend you when you’re accused of a crime. They’re the person who will be trusted to research and analyze what happened, then present their findings on your behalf.

Ultimately, their goal is to help ensure freedom for the accused individual. In some cases, a criminal lawyer may end up negotiating a settlement or plea bargain in the event the accused is found guilty. Naturally, you want a great criminal lawyer because you’ll be trusting them with a huge chapter in your life.

Should You Choose a Local Criminal Lawyer? 

Keep in mind, it’s important to find a local criminal lawyer who has experience in the courthouse where your case is pending. This will be helpful as they’ll be more familiar with procedures within the courthouse. Although most laws will be the same throughout the state, procedures will vary in terms of policies in each particular courthouse. Plus, if your criminal lawyer is local, they’ll have a better idea of the prosecutors and police officers who may be involved. This helps better prepare for the case, and at the end of the day, ensures a better outcome for you.

Last but not least, always remember the best attorney-client relationships are those in which the criminal lawyer sees the client as a partner, not a case file. You don’t want to be yet another case they’re working on. You want them to be passionate about helping you ensure your freedom. You should be involved throughout the decision-making process at all times.

Here are tips for picking someone to represent your case when there are countless criminal lawyers to choose from.

  1. Ask about their experience 

A criminal lawyer may have a decade or two of experience, but if they’ve been working on tax law, that’s not going to be beneficial to you in a criminal case. You want a criminal lawyer that has courtroom experience with cases similar to yours. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience working with clients who have been charged with the same thing you have. If you’re looking at a DUI charge, don’t pick a criminal lawyer whose only experience is in violent crimes.

  1. Look at their team

If the criminal lawyer you’re considering seems to be the right person for the job, don’t forget to look at their team. Even the best criminal lawyers depend on a team to help them build their case. You should ask about anyone who will be involved in your case – from paralegals to administrative assistants and everything in between. You want to make sure his team members are experienced and prepared to help assist as needed. You never know when your chosen criminal lawyer will be too sick to work.

  1. Check references from previous clients

Similar to any service, you should always check references from previous clients when looking for a criminal lawyer. Feel free to ask around and see if you have any friends or colleagues who have used the criminal lawyer you’re considering. You can also ask the criminal lawyer themselves if they have any references from previous clients. Typically, good criminal lawyers will be happy to provide a few names you can speak with or quotes you can read.

  1. Pay attention to their confidence level

Confidence is a trait that’s necessary for a criminal lawyer. If they’re not confident, they may be skeptical about whether or not they can actually defend you enough to help you ensure your freedom. Make sure the criminal lawyer you’re considering has an air of confidence, not arrogance, that makes you feel comfortable about the outcome. Although there is no guarantee you’ll win and you shouldn’t be fooled into believing there is, it’s always nice to know your criminal lawyer feels positive about the situation.‘

  1. Make sure you feel comfortable with them

Lastly, you want a criminal lawyer that you feel comfortable working alongside. After all, this is likely an emotional, difficult time for you. You want to make sure they’re going to meet your needs, but above all, you want to make sure you’re able to talk to them in a truthful manner. You will likely feel quite vulnerable throughout the case so make sure you’re comfortable with them. The best criminal lawyer for someone else might not be the best criminal lawyer for you.