If you’ve found yourself in legal hot water, you may be feeling scared or overwhelmed. But you should know that you’re not alone.
There are people out there who want to help you fight for your civil rights and get the fair trial you deserve. These people, of course, are criminal defense attorneys.
With that said, it can be scary to put your legal standing in someone else’s hands, so you’ll want to make the most informed choice possible.
Looking for a lawyer? Here are a few tips to help you find the best criminal defense attorney.
Make Sense of Your Options
With dozens of areas of law, it can be tough to decipher which type of lawyer does what. As a result, it’s quite easy to mistake a civil defense attorney with a criminal defense attorney.
With that said, the two serve two distinctly different purposes.
The former often deal with larger, national or international cases. Unless you’re facing major charges, you shouldn’t need a civil defense lawyer.
In contrast, a criminal defense attorney often works in a hyperlocalized area and stick to one town or city for the majority of their cases.
While that seems simple enough, you may also find yourself struggling between hiring a public defender or a private crime lawyer.
Again, there’s a marked difference between the two. A public defender is granted by the federal government, often as a result of one’s inability to pay for a private defender. A private defense attorney is someone you handpick to work your case.
Though both will do their best to fight for your legal rights, most people are better off hiring a private defender. They tend to have more experience and more time to handle the details of your case.
Find a Lawyer Who Specializes in Your Needs
Even the realm of criminal defense in splintered, with areas like family law, drug defense law, immigration law, and more.
As a result, it’s vital that you find an attorney who specializes in your unique case.
Each lawyer has his or her own specialty, so be sure to research your prospective attorney.
Most attorneys are happy to offer a brief consultation to determine if they’re a good match for your needs. And should they feel that they’re not the best fit, most lawyers are more than happy to refer you to someone who is.
Don’t Choose Legal Representation on Price Alone
If you don’t have a ton of money to spare, it can feel like your options are limited. But choosing a criminal defense attorney based on price alone is a huge mistake.
You can’t afford to put your future in the hands of someone ill-equipped or disinterested in your well-being.
Yes, the price is a big factor. But make sure it isn’t the only one you’re taking into consideration.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Criminal Defense Attorney
You deserve fair legal representation. And the best criminal defense attorney strives to give you exactly that. So as you begin looking for legal representation, make sure you’ve considered these tips. They could just help you stay out of jail.
For more information on finding great legal representation in your area, be sure to use our business guide.