If you’re in a situation where you need a defense attorney, you don’t want to waste any time working with the wrong lawyer. But four out of every five attorneys will find themselves sued for malpractice at some point in their careers — so how do you find good criminal lawyers that will represent you and your best interests?
If you’re looking for the lawyers that can deftly navigate you through the prosecutor’s motion for a directed verdict or a day of exhausting depositions, follow these tips on finding a good criminal defense lawyer.
Good Criminal Lawyers Don’t Grow on Trees
Your first step should always be research. Attorneys have reviews, just like doctors and sushi restaurants. Get online and find out what the public has to say about your prospective representative.
You can also search for a record of other cases the attorney has tried in your district. Look for someone with experience in your district’s courts and a history of trying similar cases. You don’t want to hire a personal injury lawyer when you’re being tried on criminal charges.
In This Case, Nosy is Good
Interview potential lawyers before hiring anyone, if you have the time. Ask them about their case records, their current workload, their usual timeline upon taking a case. A good lawyer will emphasize discovery and investigation in their process.
A good defense lawyer isn’t going to take any evidence at face value. Many firms hire private criminal investigators to dig into a client’s case after law enforcement completes its own inquiries. The more information your lawyer can uncover, the more prepared they will be to represent your best interests.
It’s All About Communication
Above all, a good criminal lawyer will make every effort to speak with their client regularly. Your lawyer should keep you apprised of any developments in the case and talk through all of your options during every step. Communication builds trust, and you should trust that your lawyer will do whatever they can to ensure the courts treat your case with fairness and justice.
But communication is a two-way street, so don’t let your lawyer be the only one initiating conversation! Your lawyer should always be available if you need to talk — whether you have a question, a concern, or new information pertinent to your case.
Being Well-Prepared is Half the Battle
Good criminal lawyers will stand up for their clients and do all they can to help you through a difficult time. You can trust that they will use all their experience and skill to investigate, build and argue the strongest case possible for your defense.
If you’re in the market for a lawyer, but not a criminal one, we can help with that, too! Check out our blog for all you need to know on finding the perfect legal representative for your situation.