When you are charged with a crime or arrested on suspicion of one, you must ensure a qualified criminal defense attorney is on your side from the beginning of your case. A staunch legal advocate understands how to navigate the complex criminal justice system and the hurdles that can arise in your case.
If you are wondering how to choose a criminal defense lawyer to help you fight your charges, there are several factors to consider before you decide. You should work with an accomplished criminal defense attorney who has a background applicable to your case and can launch a tailored defense against the charge or charges you are facing.
One of the most important considerations when choosing a criminal defense lawyer is ensuring that you have experienced legal representation. Your attorney should have experience negotiating deals for clients outside the courtroom and successfully bringing cases before a judge and jury. You should work with an attorney who has interacted extensively with prosecutors, judges, and members of law enforcement on behalf of clients in the past.
A qualified criminal defense attorney should be able to step in on day one of the case, which could be at the time of arrest and before charges are filed. The right criminal defense lawyer will offer unwavering advocacy at every step in the legal process, including:
Another key factor to consider is the practice area or areas that your criminal defense attorney specializes in. Every criminal charge is different and involves unique laws, even though procedural aspects may be similar. Your attorney should have successfully represented clients in cases like yours many times in the past and specialize in the area of law pertaining to your case.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to fighting criminal charges. Your attorney should build a tailored defense to your case. No case can have a guaranteed result, but a skilled criminal defense attorney can recognize the most effective approach toward the best possible outcome.
Your attorney should also be responsive and have a hands-on approach to your case. A dedicated criminal defense attorney should be available to answer your questions, keep you informed as your case progresses, and explain your best legal options throughout the process.
Individuals who are arrested for a crime are entitled to due process. This means you have the right to remain silent and not answer questions from law enforcement. You also have the right not to speak with law enforcement unless and until an attorney is present. Your Constitutional rights also include protections against unlawful search and seizure.
Both federal and state protections safeguard the rights of individuals accused of criminal activities. However, whether intentionally or unintentionally, these rights may sometimes be violated at some stage during the criminal process.
If this occurs, having defense counsel on hand can be invaluable. An attorney can fight to see that anyone who violates a defendant’s Constitutional rights is brought to account. For example, if the client’s arrest was unlawful or evidence against them was illegally obtained, a criminal defense attorney could bring these actions to light, get the evidence excluded, or file other motions that could weaken or disprove the prosecution’s case.
You should secure a competent defense attorney from the earliest stages of your case. Remember, anything you say can be used against you, so if you answer questions from the police without an attorney present, it could derail your case in the future.
When choosing a criminal defense lawyer, you want to work with an attorney specializing in the area of law your charges fall into. An attorney could fight to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or, in some cases, prevent them from being filed altogether if you are under investigation for an alleged criminal defense. Contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney today to schedule your one-on-one legal consultation.
