When you face any criminal charge, the most important thing you can do is ensure you have proper legal representation. Without a lawyer, your legal rights could be vulnerable, and you could miss valuable opportunities to reduce or eliminate your charges before the matter gets to trial.
If you are wondering how to find the best criminal defense lawyer, you want to select an attorney with extensive experience handling cases like yours who knows the complex laws and legal process involved. A dedicated criminal defense attorney can explain your charges and potential penalties while identifying the best defense to use against the prosecution’s case.
First and foremost, you want to hire a criminal defense attorney with extensive knowledge of all aspects of the legal system. Depending on your charge, your attorney should have an established track record of defending criminal charges in various levels of the court system, including municipal, state, federal, and superior courts.
The attorney you select should have an intimate knowledge of the laws in your state and be licensed by the state bar. The right attorney should specialize in the area of law you are charged under and have training and certifications applicable to your case. Whether the alleged offense involves a white-collar crime, violent crime, or misdemeanor offense, your attorney should be well-versed in the body of laws governing your charge.
The best criminal defense attorney should have the experience to negotiate with prosecutors and be able to take the case to a jury trial if necessary. This type of attorney will have an established history of dealing with all key parties in the criminal process with professionalism and respect, including judges and prosecutors, while building an aggressive line of defense for their client.
Before you retain the best criminal defense lawyer for your case, your attorney should also be upfront and clear about their fee structure and how rates are set.
Your attorney should be easily accessible, keep you updated about the case, and respond to your inquiries. An accomplished criminal defense attorney should be a skilled negotiator and advocate at every stage of your case.
Your attorney should communicate clearly and openly in your initial consultation and throughout your case, whether your charge is resolved early or continues to trial. A top criminal defense attorney should be able to tell you the full scope of your pre-trial options and have experience successfully launching motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and more.
No two criminal cases are the same, and the extent of your legal options depends on the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense. A criminal attorney should be able to clearly explain the charges against you, the potential legal outcomes of your case, and the defense strategy or strategies they would apply. A defense lawyer should be able to point to numerous instances of achieving successful trial alternatives for clients, such as plea bargains, and have a successive history of getting favorable verdicts for clients.
You should never talk to the police without a lawyer present. Procedural issues are rampant when facing a criminal charge. If either law enforcement or the prosecution violate your rights, you need to ensure you have an attorney who understands the applicable laws and can safeguard you from these potential violations.
Whether negotiating a plea bargain or identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that could lead to a reduction or elimination of the charges against you, the best criminal defense attorney can walk by your side every step of the way throughout your case. To find out more, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney today to receive your confidential case consultation.
