Marcus Richards
When you’re arrested, everything else in your life comes to a stand still. How can you make plans for the future, even for tomorrow, without knowing what will happen with your case? The decision of who to choose as your criminal defense attorney could not be more important.
It is a mistake to go with a public defender, that much you know. Yet, Criminal Defense Attorney | Hernandez & Hamilton, PC tell us that hiring a lawyer without really knowing whether or not they’re the right attorney for you is just as big of a mistake. You’ll be not only entrusting your future to this person, but spending a lot of time on the phone and in person with them. He or she may be in your life for weeks, months, or even years!
With all of this in mind, here are a few qualities to look for when you need to hire a criminal defense attorney:
How much experience do they have?
You don’t want to be anyone’s first case. Yet, it’s not just years of experience to focus on, but the type of experience as well. An attorney with experience handling cases similar to yours will have a better understanding of the complex little nuances of the law and how it applies to your specific situation. If you’re facing drug charges, you want an attorney who has handled drug cases before. The best DUI defense attorney in town knows the specific laws and penalties associated with that type of crime, but maybe not cases involving domestic violence charges.
How do they communicate?
Your attorney should be responsive to your calls and emails and make you feel like you are a priority. This is the bare minimum! You also want an attorney who will explain the legal process and your options in a clear and concise manner. If he or she is so confusing that you aren’t sure what they’re trying to tell you, you’ll get frustrated quickly. Avoid any professional who uses too much legal jargon or fails to explain things in a way that you can truly understand. This attorney is on your side, and they should act as such.
What do they think the outcome of your case will be?
When you have your initial consultation with the defense attorney, ask questions like “What would be your strategy for my case?” and “What are the potential outcomes of my case?” You don’t want someone to feed you false hope, but you do want someone who sees light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t accept an attorney who tells you to plead guilty if you don’t want to. An attorney who has experience working on cases like yours will be equipped to anticipate the strategies of the prosecution and tailor their defense approach accordingly.
If you look for a defense attorney with this in mind, you’ll be off in a great direction to find legal representation to help you get past this difficult time in your life.
