Do you need a criminal defense lawyer? Regardless of your circumstance, hiring a lawyer is the best move. Statistically, you stand a higher chance of winning your case with a defense attorney by your side. When choosing a lawyer, the most important thing to consider is experience.
Experienced attorneys are familiar with court procedures. They also know how to communicate with judges and jurors effectively. Plus, they know how to negotiate with prosecutors if necessary. There are other factors to consider, such as cost, resources, and manpower.
This article will show you how to find the best defense lawyer for you. Let’s explore.
Find a Lawyer With Experience
Above all, a criminal defense attorney should have tried the same cases that match your circumstance. If you’re facing drug crime charges, for example, find a drug crime attorney.
Attorneys who have drug crime experience are familiar with drug laws, and they know how to navigate drug courts. If you’re facing a specific circumstance (i.e. drug charges or probate disputes), avoid general-practice attorneys.
General-practice attorneys try a wide array of cases and have no particular specialty. In some cases, having a general-practice attorney by your side is helpful. On the other hand, a specialized attorney will tend to your case with the detail that it deserves.
Overall, you can find an experienced attorney through the following measures:
- Read reviews about the attorney: Choose attorneys with high ratings. Use the reviews to determine if the attorney has tried cases similar to yours.
- Research their background: Look for anything special about the attorney. Perhaps they teach classes, write articles, or give lectures. The attorney should be an established authority within their field.
- Ask members of the community: If possible, you can talk to friends, family, members, or neighbors who used the attorney previously. Asking around also helps you assess the lawyer’s character and work ethic.
In many cases, attorneys will provide a brief rundown of their professional background on their website.
The Cost Factor
The most experienced attorneys will charge more for their services. Less experienced lawyers will offer cheaper rates. Consider this a red flag. Hiring an inexperienced attorney can work against you.
For instance, attorneys with less experience may not when to invoke your legal rights. An inexperienced attorney can also fumble your case, resulting in a ruling against you. On the other hand, the cost of hiring a pricier attorney can pay off long-term.
Expensive attorneys are more likely to streamline your case, saving you money in the process. Lower-cost lawyers may drag out the process to squeeze more money out of you.
When it comes to cost, hourly rates can vary from $75 to $1,000 an hour. The actual cost depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- Region
- Case type
- Case length
- Experience
In other cases, the lawyer can charge a retainer fee. A retainer fee is an upfront sum paid to the attorney. Retainer fees can stretch from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Additionally, you should factor in other expenses, such as filing fees, reporting fees, etc.
Read the Attorney Agreement
The fee structure should be in the attorney agreement. Take your time reading this document. If you’re meeting the attorney in-person, take the document home to read it over in detail.
The agreement should list all duties that the attorney will perform, including what type of fees you’ll pay throughout the process. There should be no surprise costs along the way. If abrupt costs arise, the attorney should disclose them immediately.
- Example: Your attorney may recommend a private investigator at the last minute. Therefore, your attorney should disclose how much the investigator will charge for their services.
Knowing all costs upfront will help you manage your legal budget.
The Differences Between Small Firms and Large Firms
There are pros and cons to small and large firms. If you choose to work with a small firm, attorneys typically have more time for your case. You’re more likely to get a personal touch that you won’t get with big firms.
Conversely, small firms usually don’t have the same resources and manpower as larger firms. If you’re dealing with a serious case and need the widest resources available, consider a larger firm. Large firms are more likely to bring in other lawyers to handle your case.
- Note: When visiting the office, look around to get a sense of their organizational skills. An attorney with a disheveled office may not be organized enough to handle your case well.
Big firms also have larger teams that can research your case in greater depth. The problem is that you may not get the same personal attention as you would with a smaller firm.
Plus, a large firm may prioritize high-paying clients instead of smaller clients like you. As a result, you may get a less favorable outcome.
An Attorney’s Caseload
Regardless of the firm’s size, you should probe an attorney’s caseload. Ask them how many cases they’re currently trying. If they’re trying multiple cases at once, they may not have enough time for your case.
Also, inquire about the legal team, including other lawyers within the firm. Does the attorney have a team of lawyers or legal aides that can help them along the way? Attorneys who have a strong legal team will be vital to your case.
The Best Traits of a Criminal Defense lawyer
The best traits of a criminal defense lawyer include experience, transparency, and resources. Experience is necessary because the attorney should know how to traverse the local courts. The lawyer should also specialize in cases matching your plight.
Transparency matters because they should disclose all obligations and costs upfront. When it comes to manpower and resources, they should have a stellar support system (i.e. lawyers, legal aides, or private investigators).
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