Top Tips For Choosing A Criminal Defense Lawyer
Have you been accused of a crime that you didn't commit? Are you now facing a trial and are worried about the possible consequences? In order to obtain the best possible outcome, you probably will want to have a good attorney on your side. But since choosing a good lawyer can seem like a daunting task, here are some tips to help you pick the best lawyer for your case:
Look for one with an appropriate area of expertise: If you've been accused of embezzlement, a criminal defense lawyer who has handled mainly drug charges may not be of much use to you. Similarly, a grand theft auto case is best left to an attorney who deals with auto theft regularly and not something like criminal negligence. The more experience a lawyer has that relates to your charges, the easier it will be for them to come up with a valid defense. While a less experienced lawyer may still be able to defend you brilliantly, your best chance will lie with the more experienced lawyer.
Research case history: Some attorneys achieve little attention from the cases that they handle. But it's possible that your potential criminal defense lawyer has handled cases that made it into the news. Try to find out the outcomes of these cases and whether they are similar or different to the case that you are in. If you've been accused of assault and your potential lawyer was able to get a not guilty verdict for a similar accusation of assault, that bodes well for your future court case. If you are having problems finding any public record of the attorney's activities, ask him or her about past cases. While he or she won't be able to share private information, he or she will be able to give you at least basic facts and statistics.
Go with your gut: When you meet your criminal defense lawyer for the first time, does he or she seem interested in what you are saying or distracted? No matter what their reputation, seeming distracted or disinterested can be a sign that the lawyer may be overworked. He or she may still take your case if you insist, but he or she is going to be unlikely to be able to devote his or her full attention to the task. Instead of hoping that things will just work out somehow, look for an attorney who will be able to give your case the time and attention that it deserves.
