When charged with a crime, you have the right to an attorney. You’ll have the choice between a private attorney or a public defender. Public defenders are court-appointed whereas a private defense attorney serves individual and private clients. How can you find an attorney that you can trust with your representation?
Ask for Advice
Do you know anyone who has needed the services of a criminal defense lawyer? Ask those you trust if they have any suggestions. If anyone has hired a lawyer recently, find out what the outcome of his or her case was. Also, find out how hands-on the lawyer was or how much time he or she was able to give the case. When you ask friends or loved ones, they are less likely to suggest a lawyer that won’t be able to help you.
Do an Online Search
You can find out a lot about local lawyers on the internet. Search for lawyers in your local area who practice in the same area of law that your charges are in. Once you find a handful of lawyers, browse their site for practice information. Many lawyers have testimonials on their website. If you’re curious about reviews, research their firm or name. Most likely they will have clients that have reviewed them before.
Visit the Office
Once you narrow down the lawyers on your list, set up a consultation. During your consultation, you can ask the attorney questions about his or her experience. If you find a lawyer who has had cases like yours in the past, he or she will know how to build your defense. Do not be afraid to ask about pricing ahead of time. Most criminal defense lawyers charge by the hour. Be upfront about your budget and do not let yourself be surprised by the price later.
When you visit the office, you can also gauge how communicative the lawyer will be. Is he or she easy for you to talk to? A good lawyer will be open to talking to you, answering your questions and hearing your input about a case.If you’ve been charged with a crime, a private defense attorney is more likely to be able to build an effective defense for your case. Do not hesitate to set up a consultation with a criminal justice lawyer, like the ones at May Law, LLP, as soon as possible. The sooner that you begin the process, the more time you will have to build a solid case.
