If you already know the crucial importance of having a strong attorney in your corner when you are facing any type of criminal charge, the next thing that you will have to know is how to actually identify a top criminal defense lawyer in your area.
After all, the difference between a great lawyer and an average one could be the difference between your or a loved one walking free from a criminal charge or serving major time in prison due to the charge.
Taking the time to seek out the best criminal lawyer no matter where you are is easy, all you have to do is know the top tips to do it! Read more below and get started on your journey to identifying the top criminal defense lawyer for you.
An Attorney should be highly responsive
One of the first things to look out for is whether or not a criminal defense lawyer you are thinking about working with is good about returning your calls and emails. Even if it is just to schedule a free consultation, you want to get a sense that they are on top of all of their professional affairs and have the time and energy necessary to take you on as a client.
They should have experience in your type of case
Obviously, you will want to work with a criminal lawyer if you are facing a criminal charge. On top of that, you will want to make sure that they have experience working in the kind of case that you are involved in. Ask about their history and what kind of cases they have had success in. If you find a lawyer who has loads of experience winning cases that are similar to yours, chances are good you’ll have similar success in your case!
Reference reputable sources
You will want to make sure that a lawyer that you are thinking about working with has great reviews and references online. Looking at Google reviews and Yelp is highly valuable when it comes to getting honest reviews. You may also want to ask a lawyer that you are interested in working with to offer professional references. Finally, if you have a family member or friend who is a lawyer in the area, ask them if they have anything insight into a given lawyer or firm that you might work with. They could give you some insider info that could be helpful in your decision-making process.
Ask about their fees and fee structure
A fantastic lawyer will be no real help to you if you cannot afford them. Before you make your final decision when It comes to what lawyer to work with, make sure that you take a look over their fees and fee structure to make sure that you can indeed afford the cost. Layers are typically quite flexible with their fee structures to make it work, but you want to make sure that you won’t be putting you or your family under financial strain by going with a lawyer when there might be a more affordable option elsewhere.