How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when facing criminal charges. Criminal cases can be stressful and emotionally hard, so having the right legal defense to not only advocate for you but also support you through the process is invaluable.
Your choice of Burbank criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between winning and losing your case and potentially your future.
Understanding the Importance of Your Decision
When you’re charged with a crime, it can be overwhelming. Your freedom, reputation, career, and relationships are all on the line. A good criminal defense lawyer is your advocate, protector, and guide through the legal system. They can help:
- Protect your rights
- Negotiate with prosecutors
- Develop defense strategies
- Understand the legal process
- Represent you in court
- Minimize the consequences
Key Qualifications to Consider
When choosing an attorney, you’ll need to break down their experience, knowledge of the local court system, resources, and support. Do your due diligence before making an evaluation.
Experience and Credentials
- The lawyer’s years of criminal defense experience
- Their experience with your type of case
- Successful outcomes
- Knowledge of local courts and prosecutors
- Activity in professional organizations
Local Knowledge
- Familiarity with state and local laws
- Relationships with prosecutors
- Familiarity with judges and their rulings
- Knowledge of court procedures
- Knowledge of local jury pools
Resources and Support
You’ll also have to assess the resources and support the lawyer uses. Do they have adequate support and connections? What are the technologies and tools used for case management? How about their connections to expert witnesses?
Research
Next, you’ll need to research the lawyers you’re considering. Get referrals from trusted friends and family members, check with the state bar association, review the candidate’s background, and read online reviews.
Evaluating the Choices
To follow up, you’ll meet with the selected attorneys. Prepare questions – ask them about their background and legal approach. Share your case with them and ask them about the timeline and strategy. What do they charge for their services?
Watch Out for Red Flags
If you speak with a criminal defense attorney and note any of the following warning signs, reassess your options and seek out the services of another attorney. Don’t trust a lawyer who:
- Guarantees results
- Pressures you to make a decision now
- Evades or gives vague answers
- Communicates poorly
- Does not provide a clear structure with respect to fees
What to Ask an Attorney When Questioning Them About Their Background
It’s also important to ask critical questions, which will help clarify the lawyer’s skills and help make a more informed decision. Ask the lawyer:
- How many years have you been working as a criminal defense attorney?
- How many cases have you worked on that are similar to mine?
- What’s your rate of success for plea bargains?
- How much trial experience do you have?
What to Ask a Client Referral
If you receive a client referral, ask the contact about their experience with the lawyer. How did they feel about the lawyer’s way of handling their case? What were the results? Was there anything they felt the lawyer might have handled differently? Overall, what was their experience, and did things go according to expectations?
Ask Yourself: Exactly What Type of Person Will Be Managing My Case?
What you ask is just as important as making inquiries. You want to ensure you know what type of person will handle your case, as facing criminal charges is not something anyone can take lightly. How you fare in the long run is important, so you want to ensure the time spent with your attorney is productive and helpful.
Getting Feedback from the Attorney About Your Case
Next, you’ll want to find out more about the case itself. Ask the attorney:
- What might be the possible outcomes?
- How will you strategize my defense?
- What are the good and bad points of my case?
- How long will the defense of my case take?
- What should I do next?
Getting More Information About the Legal Process
You’ll need to know who will handle your case and provide support. Ask the attorney how to contact them and what their communication policy is.
How Does the Law Firm Bill Clients?
Question the lawyer about costs and billing. What are their fee structures and options? For example, law firms feature flat fees, hourly rates, retainer agreements, and payment plans.
Additional costs and fees may also be involved.
What Is Included in the Charges?
Charges for legal services may include expenses that involve:
- Court appearances
- Casework
- Communications time
- Document preparation
- The costs of investigating your case
How to Make a Decision
When making a decision for a lawyer, it’s important to ask yourself and answer the following questions:
- How do I feel about the lawyer?
- Were their communications clear?
- Were they realistic about my case?
- Do they offer a transparent fee structure?
- Are they accessible and available?
Find a Defense Attorney that Meets These Criteria
While experience and credentials are important, you still need to trust your instincts. You want to work with a lawyer who –
- Listen to your concerns
- Explains things so they’re understandable
- Care about you and your case
- Behaves professionally
- Gives you confidence about their legal approach
What to Bring with You to Your Initial Consultation
When you meet with a lawyer, bring the information related to your arrest. Make sure you have your prepared questions ready and gather the case documents. Jot down notes during your discussion. Make sure you’re clear about the attorney’s answers.
What Happens When You Hire a Lawyer
When you retain legal services, you’ll typically do the following:
- Sign an engagement letter – also called a retainer agreement
- Make arrangements to deliver the case files
- Establish a system of communications
- Learn more about the next steps in the legal process
- Follow the lawyer’s instructions and advice
Get in Touch with a Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
It’s important to remember that choosing a lawyer to defend in a criminal case is a big deal. Therefore, you don’t want to rush things. Take your time to find an attorney with the experience, legal approach, and commitment to manage your case correctly.
What you pay an attorney is not as important as what you’ll receive in legal services and follow-up. Look at what you’re getting for the money, especially when your future hangs in the balance.
Now is the time to decide if you’re facing criminal charges. Use the above information to find a criminal defense lawyer who can help realize the best results for the criminal charges you now face. Contact a criminal defense lawyer now.