5 Tips To Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
July 18, 2024 | Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys
When you have been charged with a crime, every aspect of your life is affected. A criminal charge can impair your freedom, your finances, your work, and your personal relationships. You might feel overwhelmed by the charges and what will happen in court.
The next step is finding a criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome. Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer for you means reviewing lawyers and picking one. Your choice can significantly affect the outcome of your case. But how do you choose?
One overarching tip is to interview the lawyer you want to represent you. You can’t benefit from the five tips below if you don’t interview or at least research the lawyer’s background. Many lawyers have free consultations, so interview lawyers until you find the right one. The tips below will help you with the interview process.
1. Find Out the Lawyer’s Practice Area
You want to find a lawyer who practices criminal law exclusively or almost exclusively. A lawyer who specializes in criminal law will have the knowledge necessary to understand the charge against you and what to do next.
Make sure the criminal defense lawyer you choose is well versed not just in criminal law generally but in the law that applies to your particular case. Some attorneys take DUI clients, and some represent tax evasion clients. Your attorney should practice in an area of the law applicable to your situation.
2. Check the Lawyer’s Experience
The best criminal defense lawyer for you is one who has the experience to represent you in court. The lawyer should be skilled in the specific type of charge against you. Ask the lawyer about his or her experience in going to trial as well as settling cases. Years of experience will help a lawyer craft the right defense for you.
Look for awards and testimonials by clients that speak to the lawyer’s experience. You can check the lawyer’s website, Google, AVVO, and Martindale-Hubbard for this information.
The lawyer should also have courtroom experience in the location where you were charged with the crime. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be familiar with the judges and the local rules of the court where you will settle your case or be tried. Procedure varies from court to court and even judge to judge. The lawyer you choose should be familiar with your courthouse.
3. Look for a Lawyer Who is Responsive to Your Needs
When you’ve been charged with a crime, time is of the essence when finding witnesses and evidence. Make sure the lawyer is responsive to you and can be reached when you need him or her.
A good lawyer is responsive to your questions as well. When you interview the attorney, ask questions about your case. The lawyer should be able to break down the charges against you and explain them in a way you can understand. How the attorney answers your questions will go a long way toward judging the lawyer’s responsiveness and communication.
4. Understand the Fee Agreement
Being charged with a crime can be expensive in many ways. One expense you must think about is your criminal defense lawyer’s fee. When you meet with the lawyer, ask about the fee agreement.
What is the total cost? What is paid upfront, and what is paid at the end of the case? What does the fee cover? What does it not cover? Ask the lawyer about any terms that you do not fully understand.
The lawyer with the lowest fee agreement may not be the best one for you. You have to consider expenses, but choosing a lawyer based solely on his or her low fee is unwise. You need an attorney to represent you in a matter that could change your life. That may be a criminal defense attorney with a higher fee but with more experience.
5. Think About the Impression the Lawyer Made on You
You want a criminal defense lawyer who presents well not just to you but to the public and the court. Does the lawyer seem confident and instill confidence in you? Was the lawyer well prepared for your meeting? Did the lawyer answer your questions in a way that was knowledgeable yet easy to understand?
Do you feel comfortable with the lawyer? Do you trust the lawyer and have confidence in him or her?
Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case
Using the above tips will help you choose the criminal defense lawyer who will do the best for your case. If you have been charged with a crime, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to schedule a free consultation and learn if they are a good fit for your case.
Contact our Criminal Defense Law Firm of Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help
For more information please contact our criminal defense law firm of Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys at the nearest location for a free consultation.
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – San Jose Office
1625 The Alameda, Suite 405, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 217-8818
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Redwood City Office
600 Allerton St Suite 201G, Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0500