After being arrested or charged with a crime, your first priority should be finding a skilled criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the upcoming legal process. The law is a complex thing so having an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer on your side is crucial. Continue reading for tips on how to find a good criminal defense attorney for your case. Set up a consultation with a Pottstown criminal defense lawyer today to discuss your situation and obtain legal representation.
How Can I Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney?
- Determine your needs: Before you begin your search, understand the crime you are being accused of and the type of legal help you need. Figure out if you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges and gain an understanding of the nature of your charges. Is it a violent crime, financial crime, DUI, theft, or other? The answer will influence which attorney you should hire.
- Evaluate their experience: The lawyer’s experience will be a determining factor. Not every lawyer will specialize in every type of law. Find someone with ample experience handling cases similar to yours. You will also want someone who has a good track record in court. Education and other qualifications are important, but what is more important is their success and how many cases they have won. This will tell you if they are better at pre-trial negotiations with the prosecution or arguing your side in front of a jury. It is important to consider their success rate.
- Research: Word of mouth and referrals are some of the most reliable ways to find a good criminal defense attorney. Recommendations from friends and family can prove invaluable as they offer firsthand insight into the attorney’s communication style, professionalism, success, and more. Otherwise, you can do your own research. Online reviews, legal directories, and other resources can provide helpful information and point you toward a good match.
- Set a budget: It is crucial that you understand the attorney’s fees and payment structure. Rates will vary depending on the lawyer’s experience, reputation, how complicated the case is, etc. Some may charge hourly while others use a flat fee. It is important to fully understand the breakdown of what services are included and what payment plans are offered. You do not want to go into debt or develop financial problems in addition to your legal ones.
- Schedule consultations: Settling on the first lawyer you talk to may not be a great idea. Instead, you should “shop around.” Schedule consultations with multiple lawyers before making your final decision. Some lawyers offer low-cost or complimentary consultations where you can discuss your case and ask questions before retaining their services. During these meetings, ask about their experience, strategy, communication style, and more.
At the end of the day, trust your gut. Take note of how each lawyer made you feel and what your instincts are telling you. If there was one attorney who put you at ease, was genuinely invested in your case, and seemed like they would be a better fit than the others, trust yourself and retain their services.
