Having a lawyer, particularly, a criminal defense lawyer gives you the help you need for the criminal case that you are in as a defendant. More often than not, criminal conviction brings huge and life-long effect to individuals. Working with a lawyer who has experience and can be trusted helps you streamline the process and reduce any possible trampling of your rights. But how exactly to look for the right criminal defense lawyer. Kindly read on to learn a number of steps in searching for a criminal defense lawyer for your case.
Steps to Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer
1. Ask Recommendations and Suggestions
Basically, not all criminal defense lawyers you meet possess winning or at least the necessary credentials and character traits. So, it makes a lot of sense to first ask from people who have worked with one before. If you have family, friends or co-workers who have hired a criminal defense lawyer in the past, it is recommended to seek their advice and ask about their experience with the lawyer they hired. You may also approach or consult to certain agencies or departments in your town to be provided with a list of referrals for criminal defense lawyers. The good thing about asking recommendations and suggestions is that you get to know a bunch of information about the lawyers even at the early stage of your search. You definitely will need to get to know them later for choosing.
2. Background-Check the Lawyer
You definitely need to get to know the lawyer prior to hire him as your legal counsel. Lawyers may have the same educational background, but they are not created equal. As far as your case is concerned, you’ve got to look for a lawyer who has the experience and the skill to lead your case to a favorable outcome. Once you get the name of the lawyer, you should check about his specialization. Basically, that lawyer should be specializing in criminal law and have handled and won several of the kind case in his career. You must also check about the reputation of the lawyer, the details of his previous criminal cases handled, including complaints filed against him, if there are any.
3. Interview Potential Lawyers
Asking questions to the lawyer allows you to know him better and whether he is fit for your case. Primarily, you need to ask the lawyer if he offers free consultation. This lets you know about the costs entailed by hiring a lawyer. Then, you need to ask if he has handled a similar case in the past, how much will his service cost and at what payment scheme will give to you, how long will the case timeframe be, what will be your preferred mode of communication, will the lawyer be handling you part-time or how will often be working on your case, and many other questions. And, one more thing about interviewing a lawyer is that it provides you the opportunity to get a feel of the character of the lawyer and if you are comfortable with him.