Hiring a criminal defense lawyer comes at an extremely stressful and worrying time in your life. When you’re facing a criminal charge, you want the best representation possible, but finding someone who fits the right criteria can seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack. In addition, when you know that the right criminal defense lawyer could ultimately mean the difference between getting the result you want or the worst case scenario, the entire process can feel completely overwhelming – if you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles then click the link.
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is not something you should do without going through a selection process first. Time may be of the essence and you might feel anxious to find representation as quickly as possible, however hiring the right criminal defense lawyer is a key step towards the result of your case.
Read on for 5 tips for hiring a criminal defense lawyer.
Choose a defense lawyer who specializes in criminal law
The world of law is expansive, which means many attorneys focus on various departments. However, it’s best to choose an attorney who specializes specifically in criminal law. When an attorney specializes in one field of law, then it means that they are up to date with the latest legislation, changes and sanctions that may affect your case. It also means they have more experience in criminal law cases.
Make sure they’re familiar with local courts
Every courthouse in the land is different. Which is why choosing a lawyer who is familiar with the local courts is essential. They may be familiar with the judge and how they work in the courtroom. Hiring a criminal lawyer who has good, strong connections with the court you’ll be attending is always useful.
Search for reputable reviews
You may notice that the reviews displayed on the home pages of any business are usually faultless and ultimately perfect. While these may be legitimate, it’s always best to get thorough, detailed reviews from people who have had good and bad experiences with your prospective representative. Check out Google and Facebook to get some clarity.
Ensure they are responsive
As someone who is seeking legal representation for a criminal charge, you’ll be desperate to get things moving. When you’re eager and keen to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible, your lawyer should have the same attitude. When you initially make contact with them, gauge how active they are in replying to your emails or answering the phone. A good lawyer should be willing and able to set up an initial meeting with their legal team within 24 hours, and you should be able to build a strong relationship with them over the coming weeks.
They should make you feel at ease
A lawyer with a broken, battered briefcase, complete with crumpled suit and crooked tie, probably won’t fill you with confidence. When you initially meet with your potential representative, they should make you feel confident in their abilities and also make you feel at ease with the entire process. If they don’t then you haven’t found the right lawyer.