By: Valerie Cox

When entering the courts as a defendant in a criminal defense case, it is beneficial to have a strong criminal defense lawyer beside you. A criminal defense trial is not only a stressful and intimidating event, but it is an event that can play a significant role in your life, leaving a lasting imprint behind. It would help if you had someone knowledgeable about the law and your case who can confidently represent you and is a creative thinker regarding legal solutions. Your future rests on the case’s outcome, so you will benefit from a reliable criminal defense lawyer to represent you. These tips can help you choose a quality criminal defense lawyer.

Background

When choosing a criminal defense lawyer as legal counsel, you should always start with their background. Find out what law school they attended. Look at the cases they have tried, their record, and their years of experience working in different types of criminal defense law. Look at any organizations they are members of and try to ascertain if they have the skill set needed to represent you. Make sure that they have experience with criminal defense courtrooms in your area. You want someone familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and courts.

Responsiveness

The legal process is daunting, and you won’t want to go through it alone, whether this is your first offense or not. You want a lawyer who is going to be responsive and highly communicative. Someone who can explain what is going on and won’t hesitate to call you back or respond to your email.

Negotiating Powers

A criminal defense lawyer who is creative in approaching solutions will have the upper hand in negotiations. Because most criminal defense cases involve some sentencing, you want an attorney who can help you end up with a lower sentence or one that involves a few perks. When you meet for a consultation, you should be able to assess this skill by how the lawyer speaks to you about the trial. Ask them what strategies they’ve used and what might work best for you. The best attorneys will tell you upfront what they think might make sense while cautioning that this might change as they learn more about your individual case. If they are vague, consider looking elsewhere.

Trial Experience

Last but not least, you will benefit from having a criminal defense lawyer with years of trial experience. Criminal defense cases can impact you for years to come. Choosing someone who is well-versed in the trial experience and won’t let you down during the trial is important. Choose a criminal defense lawyer with at least three years of trial experience in your city’s state and federal court.

These tips can help you land a strong criminal defense lawyer who can argue your case and protect you as much as possible. How you feel with your attorney is essential. It would be to your advantage to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who fits the above categories. Most criminal defense lawyers offer consultations. Consider setting up three or four and choose after meeting each one.

Published by: Khy Talara