Before you hire a criminal defense attorney, it’s wise to take some time to get to know them. After all, if they don’t do a good job, you could face a lot of time in prison. Be sure to keep an eye out for the following six indicators that they’ll do an excellent job for you.
1. They Know Your State and Local Laws
Believe it or not, there are several attorneys working today who don’t have a good grasp on all their state or local applicable criminal laws. Therefore, talk to them specifically about the law you supposedly broke to ensure they have a solid knowledge base about it. Hire a specialist, if possible. For instance, if you’re facing DUI charges, look for a DUI criminal defense lawyer.
2. They’re Experienced
Everyone needs to start their career somewhere, but don’t hire a newcomer to represent you. Instead, find an attorney who is well-established and has a proven track record of successfully defending cases that are like yours. In other words, don’t hire a lawyer who is making a switch from family law to criminal law.
3. They’ve Got Good Online Reviews
Most online reviews are left by actual clients, so they can be a great resource when you’re trying to decide who will represent you. Pay especially close attention to written testimonials and verified reviews, which will provide much more information than a simple star rating. Additionally, be sure you sort the reviews so that you don’t see just the most popular ones. Complete this due diligence before you even think about hiring a specific attorney.
4. They Have a History of Winning
When you’re looking for a lawyer, it’s also imperative to ensure they have a good record of wins versus losses. Even the most experienced attorneys will lose cases from time to time, but you don’t want to commit to working with someone who has gotten used to losing. Again, they could be a perfectly nice person, but that is not going to keep you out of prison. Therefore, make sure they have a solid winning history and a solid reputation.
5. You Get Along
You’re already dealing with enough stress, and the last thing you need to do is hire a lawyer who will make it even worse. If you don’t mesh well, it won’t matter how skilled they are. Only hire an attorney who you can feel confident about.
6. They Have a Solid Sentencing Record
Sometimes, even the best lawyer will lose. If you are likely to lose your case, then it’s critical to look at an attorney’s sentencing record. Do they have a history of using technicalities or plea deals to reduce sentencing? Find out, and make sure to ask them about successful techniques they’ve used in the past.
If you’ve found a criminal defense attorney who meets all these needs, go ahead and lock them in. They represent your best odds of coming through your trial unscathed. A skilled attorney will not only have a deep understanding of the law but also possess the ability to navigate the complexities of your case with strategic insight.