Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is the most important step in the legal process. This person is your best chance when facing a judge. A talented lawyer will help you avoid potentially serious consequences such as jail time and a criminal record.
However, finding a good criminal defense attorney is no easy task. Read on to learn how to choose a criminal defense lawyer. Explore tips for choosing a criminal defense lawyer that will help you be well-represented in court.
Ask for a Personal Referral
Your friends and family are the first places to look for a criminal defense attorney. They may have hired a lawyer that successfully represented them in the past. Also, they may personally know a talented attorney.
Social media makes it easier than ever to ask around. You can query your network of friends and family on Facebook or Instagram. The end result is getting leads on a reputable attorney for your case.
Do Your Homework
A personal referral is just the first step in the hiring process. You need to do your homework to verify the attorney’s reputation and track record.
Start off by using the internet to research the prospective lawyer. As an example, consider that you are researching Gordon Thompson DUI & Criminal Attorney.
You can search the lawyer or firm’s name using any search engine. Read customer testimonials and see if the vast majority had a great experience.
There are various other outlets that you can find online. The state bar association maintains public records on all the lawyers in the state. You should ensure that the bar association has not levied any formal discipline against the attorney.
Another option is the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a consumer advocacy resource. Here, you can see if there are any complaints against the lawyer or the firm that they represent.
Request a Consultation
Now that you put in the research, it is time to meet face to face. Online information can only tell you so much.
Many experts recommend using the consultation as a job interview of sorts.
You should ask lots of questions. Make sure the lawyer has extensive experience in the criminal charges you are facing. Ask them what their success rate is on similar charges and how often their clients avoid serious consequences.
The consultation is also an opportunity to ask about legal costs. Your lawyer should be upfront about total costs and how they are to be paid.
The end result of the consultation should be confidence that you have found the right attorney. There should be clear chemistry between the client and the attorney.
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no question of how important the hiring process is for criminal defense. You are relying on this person to present your defense and shield you from severe legal repercussions.
By doing online research and holding an in-person interview, you will feel confident in your selection. If you enjoyed this article about how to choose a criminal defense lawyer, check out our blog for more great content.
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