If you are facing criminal charges, it must already be hard for you. And above that, the worry of whether you’ve chosen the right criminal lawyer can really make it even worse.
This blog is all about walking you through the process of choosing the right attorney. Let’s wade through it. Below are the things you should consider from the get-go.
Hiring the Right Attorney is Crucial
Being charged with a criminal offense can drain you both emotionally and financially. The mere accusation can cause colossal damage to your and your family’s reputation, even if the case is still in the process of adjudication.
So, hiring an attorney who can advocate for you against criminal charges is crucial.
The stupidest mistake you can make while picking one is simply going for the first lawyer you talk to. It is clearly not the time to roll the dice with just about any lawyer. You need someone who you can trust to fight for protecting your rights.
Searching for a Good Attorney is No Cakewalk
You are bound to feel overwhelmed while trying to find a lawyer. There is a plethora of factors you must consider, a number of steps you can take to narrow down your search. It is imperative to weigh your options before you reach a conclusion.
#1 Hire Someone Specialized in Criminal Law
This makes it to the top of our list for all the good reasons. Most lawyers are known for building strong defenses regardless of the crime. However, you must always choose the one who specializes in this specific area of law.
It is an excellent idea to choose an attorney who focuses on the type of crime that’s related to yours. This will help them ensure that you are abreast of any nuances in the law that could affect your case.
#2 Hire Someone Experienced in Trial
In case your criminal charges go to trial, you would need assistance from a criminal defense lawyer with good trial experience. It is one of the most vital factors in picking the right lawyer for your case. They would have to walk into the courtrooms, defend your side, and negotiate for a plea agreement.
Let’s take for instance, if you are being accused of DUI, make sure that you hire a seasoned DUI defense attorney who knows how to navigate a legal defense during the trial. You know you’ve chosen the right attorney when they cut no corners in developing a sound defense strategy.
#3 Hire Someone with Negotiating & Analytical Skills
If your lawyer cannot make the best deals in negotiating agreements with the prosecutor and the judge, you must switch to another choice. You must always look for the one who is capable of making quick judgments that are useful to your defense.
Negotiating a settlement and making an argument in the courtroom must come naturally to them. Choose the one who is transparent about the progress of your case.
#4 Hire Someone with Accessibility & Responsiveness
The lawyer you choose must make themselves readily available throughout the case. Steer clear from the professionals who seem to be available only when it’s time to get paid.
There is no denying that representing someone in a criminal defense prosecution can be a daunting task. So, you need to hire someone capable enough to learn the facts behind your case.
When dealing with a criminal charge, the more you wait, the more you make the situation worse. This is why it is imperative to ensure that the legal representative you hire gets to your case right away.
#5 Hire Someone with Fees within your Budget
Sure, it should not be a primary factor in selecting a defense lawyer. However, you should always go for the one whose fees are within your price range. A lawyer’s worth varies based on the nature of the case, level of experience, the complexity of the case, and a lot more.
If you hire a lawyer way beyond your price range, you won’t be able to pay them on time, and this would affect their performance in your case.
Wrapping it Up
In case of criminal charges, hiring the right criminal defense attorney will help you play all your cards right. Your liberty is on the line, and you cannot rely on just anyone to help you save it. You need to know that you are in capable hands.
If you are looking for someone equally compassionate and concerned about your case as you are, we are your go-to people. We’ve been successfully defending our clients for over 10 years now.
At Panighetti Law Firm, we have developed invaluable insight and professional relationships that help us to get results most law firms struggle hard to achieve. So, if you find yourself in a legal fix, you can always reach out for a FREE consultation.
