Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case

If you are in search of a criminal defense lawyer, this article is for you.

Searching for a criminal defense lawyer when you are in trouble can be a daunting task. The figure of 252,506 practicing criminal defense lawyers currently in the US is not something one can take on easily.

The good news is that in the internet age, you can find any information you need quickly and easily.

Here are some of the most pressing problems you will encounter on your journey to finding a criminal defense lawyer:

• Not all lawyers are created equal
• Criminal defense attorneys aren’t all one and the same
• There is a large variety of criminal defense cases. You might need the criminal defense services of a special attorney, and knowing it will be very important for your freedom
• The cost of criminal defense services might be too high

In this article, we will also cover:

• Why Experience Matters More Than You Think
• Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Criminal Defense Lawyer
• The Red Flags That Should Make You Run
• How to Understand Criminal Defense Services Costs
• Qualifications and Reputation Matter
• The Chemistry Factor
• What Happens Next
• Wrapping things up

Why Experience Actually Matters

Would you like to hear something you might not know?

Federal conviction rate for cases that go to trial sits at over 99% – that’s right. Practically everyone loses. And it’s easy to see why.

The majority of federal defendants who lost their cases probably didn’t have a good lawyer to fight for them.

And that is why we are saying that experience actually matters when it comes to finding a criminal defense traffic attorney. If you want to check for criminal defense services, what is important to understand is the fact that the best criminal defense attorneys know the prosecutors by face and name. They know the judges and they have seen your case before a couple of hundreds of times. That is the difference between experience and lack thereof.

Track Record & Specialization Matter

A criminal defense traffic attorney who is great with DUIs can be completely terrible with federal drug charges.

How can you know whether a criminal defense attorney is any good?

• Criminal defense attorney case outcomes matter – what percentage of their cases are dismissed or end up with low-charged? If the number is low – this attorney might not be your best choice.
• You should check their specialization – do they focus on cases similar to yours?
• Criminal defense lawyer’s courtroom presence is also important. Do they really try cases or do they send everyone into plea bargains?

Criminal defense services of a good criminal defense attorney with a proven track record in your type of case are your best chance to win. They do not only boast about it but actually win the majority of their cases.

The First Meeting: Questions to Ask

The first meeting you have with a criminal defense attorney will tell you everything you need to know about that person.

Meet with a few different attorneys and ask the questions that will separate the good from the great:

• “How many cases similar to mine have you handled?”
• “What’s your strategy for my case?”
• “Who will be working on my case?”
• “What are the possible outcomes of my case?”

Asking for a criminal defense attorney’s track record and specialization will help you weed out those who don’t have experience with your type of case.

Wondering about the strategy for your case is a great way to see if the attorney actually listened to you, is experienced, and had the time to form an opinion.

Knowing who will be handling your case in a criminal defense law firm will be the number one factor on whether you actually trust a criminal defense attorney.

Asking for possible outcomes of your case will not only inform you about your options but will also tell you whether you should trust that lawyer or not.

Understanding Criminal Defense Services Costs

Finding the best criminal defense services for your money can be very tricky.

Criminal defense services are never cheap and for good reason. But at the same time, it is not too hard to understand what you are paying for.

Most criminal defense lawyers charge one of three ways:

• Flat fees – common for more straightforward cases such as DUIs or simple drug possession. Pay one set price for the entire case.
• Hourly rates – usually work better for complex cases that can take a long time to unfold. Rates vary from $150 to $700+ per hour depending on location and experience.
• Retainer agreements – require an upfront payment that the lawyer bills against as they work on your case.

The cheapest lawyer is usually the most expensive in the long run.

A cheap criminal defense attorney that pressures you into accepting a plea deal you don’t want can lead to a conviction, years of prison, and a permanent criminal record. Good criminal defense traffic attorney are an investment in your future.

Red Flags You Can’t Ignore

Certain red flags should tell you to walk away immediately:

• Guarantee results. No lawyer can guarantee specific case outcomes. Anyone promising you a win is either lying or not very experienced.
• No communication. Your lawyer should be returning your calls within 24 hours. Disappearances and ignored calls are not okay when your freedom is on the line.
• Immediate pressure. Pushing you to take a plea deal right away is a red flag. Good lawyers explore all of the options before making any recommendations.
• Lack of courtroom experience. Most cases end in guilty pleas, but if your’s is not the right lawyer needs trial experience to at least have a chance.
• Overworked attorney. Juggling hundreds of cases? Your attorney needs to have time for you and your case.

Trust your gut. If something about a criminal defense lawyer feels off, it probably is.

Credentials & Reputation Matter

Check with the state bar association to see if any disciplinary actions or complaints have been filed against a criminal defense lawyer. Read online reviews, but take them with a grain of salt. Check their Board certification in criminal law or other certifications and professional memberships.

The single most valuable reputation of a criminal defense lawyer is how other attorneys speak of them. Prosecutors and judges know who works for them. If they respect your attorney, you will see the benefits in court.

The Chemistry Factor

One thing most people forget…

You have to be able to trust your criminal defense attorney. It’s a real person you are entrusting with your freedom.

When you leave your lawyer’s office, you should feel like you have someone in your corner, not someone talking down to you.

If a criminal defense lawyer makes you feel judged, talked down to, or worse after your first meeting, keep looking.

Local Knowledge Is Power

An attorney with local knowledge has the home-field advantage.

They have years of working with the local players – they understand the system, the judges, and which prosecutors might be willing to negotiate a lesser charge.

Out of town attorneys might have great credentials, but a local firm with established criminal defense services has a home court advantage.

What Happens Next

Finding the right criminal defense attorney to represent you is the most important decision you will make during your case.

Don’t rush it. Meet with a few attorneys. Ask the tough questions. Trust your instincts.

The goal is not just to find an attorney. It is to find your attorney.

The person that is going to fight for you when everything seems hopeless.

Wrapping things up

The article showed you what is the most important to look for in a criminal defense lawyer. It also gave you the red flags that are definite signs you should keep looking. The most important thing is to ask the questions and not to be afraid.

It is your future, your freedom, and life in the balance.

Any quality criminal defense traffic attorney can change your life for the better.

You need to be smart when it comes to choosing the right criminal defense attorney.