Who is the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer for Me?
When facing criminal charges, the right defense lawyer can make all the difference in your case. The legal system is complicated. So you need someone smart by your side.
So, how do you find a criminal defense attorney that fits the specific needs of your defense?
Know Your Needs: Considerations to Make Before Choosing Legal Representation
Type of Charges
Review the charges against you. Criminal law is broad, so different lawyers have skill in different areas. Some of the areas include drug offenses, DWI, white-collar crimes, and violent crimes.
The Severity of the Offense
Are you facing a misdemeanor or felony? This will determine the type of lawyer you need.
Court Jurisdiction
Know which court will be hearing your case (state or federal), as this affects the lawyer’s qualifications and experience. Where do they try cases?
Timeframe for Your Lawyer Search
Know any upcoming court dates or deadlines that will impact your search timeframe. You need to choose a defense attorney before you go to court.
Cost
Consider your budget for legal representation, knowing that good defense lawyers cost more.
Start Your Search: Where to Look
Now that you know what you need in a defense, you can search for the best criminal defense lawyer.
Referrals
Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know a good criminal defense lawyer. Personal recommendations are helpful, but remember that your case may need a lawyer who is different from the one they recommend.
American and State Bar Associations
Contact your state or local bar association for a list of criminal defense lawyers in your area.
Online Directories
Use reputable online directories like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to search for criminal defense lawyers in your area.
Researching Lawyers: Checklist
Once you have information on three lawyers you like, research each lawyer by checking the following:
Bar Standing
Again, check the lawyer’s standing with your state bar association to ensure they’re licensed and not disciplined.
Online Presence
Please review the lawyer’s website, blog posts, and social media to learn about their experience and approach to criminal defense.
Case Results
Look for information on past case results. However, remember that every case is unique, and past results don’t guarantee future success.
Client Reviews
Read client reviews and testimonials, but remember that the posts may not always tell the whole story.
Media Mentions
Search for news articles or press releases where the lawyer was involved in notable cases.
The Lawyer’s Experience: What to Seek
When evaluating a criminal defense lawyer for your case, consider the following:
Years of Practice
How long an attorney has been practicing criminal law can indicate their experience and overall reputation.
Skill
Look for lawyers proven skill in criminal defense or at least in the areas of criminal defense that apply to your case.
Local Knowledge
Knowing how to deal with local courts and judges can be an advantage.
Trial Experience
If your case goes to trial, ensure the lawyer has significant courtroom experience.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Check if the lawyer attends legal seminars or workshops regularly to stay current on criminal law.
The Initial Consultation
Most criminal defense lawyers offer free or low-cost initial consultations. During the first consultation, you’ll want to do the following:
Share Your Case
Briefly summarize your situation and listen to the lawyer’s first impressions.
Ask the Right Questions
Make a list of questions about the lawyer’s experience, approach to your case, and possible results.
Get Answers to the Following Questions
The following inquiries will help you get the answers you need:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What were the results of your cases?
- Can you describe some of your major successes?
- What percentage of your practice is devoted to criminal defense?
- Will you be my lawyer, or will other staff also be involved in my case?
- How many of your cases are plea bargained?
- What percentage of cases end up in the courtroom?
- How do you plan to communicate, and how frequently will you keep me informed and updated about my case?
- Will you call me or email me daily?
- What do you believe are the strong points and drawbacks of my case?
- Based on the factors surrounding my case, what can I anticipate?
- How do you bill, and what payment or financing options do you offer?
- Can I get references from past clients or other lawyers, and can I talk to them?
- How do you plan to defend my case?
- What strategies will you use to reduce charges or improve the outcome?
Assessing the Lawyer’s Communications Style
How well do they explain legal concepts, and do you feel comfortable talking to them?
Confirm the Fees: What Will I Pay?
Criminal defense lawyers use different fee structures:
- Hourly: You’re billed for the time spent on your case, usually in 6-minute increments.
- Flat fee: This is a set fee for the entire case, often used for simple legal matters.
- Retainer fee: An upfront payment from which the lawyer deducts their fee as they work on your case.
- Sliding scale fees: Fees based on your income are often used by newer lawyers or when clients come from diverse backgrounds.
- Pro bono: Free legal representation, usually for low-income clients or in special public interest cases. Pro bono is Latin for “For the public good.”
Make sure you know what services are included in the fee and what additional costs you might incur (like expert witness fees or court costs), and get all fee agreements in writing.
How Confident is the Lawyer?
No lawyer can guarantee the outcome of a case, but you do want a lawyer who can handle your case with confidence.
After the Consultation: 6 Steps to Evaluate and Decide
Once you’ve met with a criminal defense lawyer in person, take some time to:
-
Review your notes
Go over what was said during the consultation. Do you feel you had a meeting of the minds?
-
Assess how comfortable you felt when you communicated with the attorney
Did you feel good about communicating with the lawyer? Did they make you feel at ease?
-
How responsive was the lawyer?
Did they answer your questions clearly? Did they communicate well?
-
Compare two or three lawyers to make things fair
How would you compare multiple lawyers’ answers or communication styles if you saw multiple lawyers? Make a list to review so you can make comparisons.
-
Does the lawyer provide good services for what you’ll pay over time?
Weigh each lawyer’s experience, fees, and what you’re getting for your money.
-
Trust your instincts when you decide
Again, don’t ignore the feeling you get about an attorney at your consultation. Use it to choose your criminal defense attorney wisely.
Remember, a face-to-face consultation allows you and the lawyer to evaluate each other. Take your time, be thorough, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand what you’re told.
Contact the Best Lawyer for You: Schedule a Consultation Now
Once more, use the above information to find the best lawyer for you. Make sure they can communicate and follow up on your case. Choose a lawyer who is experienced in handling cases similar to yours. Doing so will pay off in the long run. Find your lawyer today.