There are a number of situations in life in which you have to decide whether to hire an attorney. For example, if you are buying a home or having trouble paying your bills, hiring an attorney may not be a necessity, but it is still a good idea. However, if you have been charged with driving under the influence, assault or some other crime, it is mandatory to hire a criminal lawyer. You want to make sure your legal rights are protected throughout the court process.
But where do you start when you hope to hire a qualified criminal attorney? One of the best ways to find an effective attorney is to consult with your family and friends. There is nothing better than a personal recommendation, especially one that comes from someone close to you. However, there are times when it can be difficult to get a personal reference. In those situations, you may consider consulting your local bar association or an Internet site such as attorneys.com. The Internet, in fact, can provide a great deal of information about individual attorneys. For example, you can find out about a lawyer’s level of experience in criminal law, biographical information, if the lawyer is up to date with the bar, and other relevant facts. Additionally, the online archives of your local newspaper may include articles on cases that a particular attorney has tried. You will want to hire an attorney with a lot of experience in the area of criminal law involved in your case, be it traffic offenses, drug offenses, or white collar crimes.
The next step is to contact the attorney’s office. If an attorney cannot meet with you on short notice, do not dismiss the attorney. Effective attorneys are pretty busy, so if an attorney is short on time, that can be a positive sign. Pay close attention to how the attorney’s staff handles your call. The staff should be courteous and willing to answer all of your questions.
You should be aware of the fact that criminal defense attorneys tend to charge by the hour. Alternatively, they can charge a flat fee up front. Generally speaking, the rules of professional conduct prohibit an attorney from charging a contingency fee for a criminal case. Since legal fees can vary, you may want to do some comparative shopping. However, keep in mind that the best attorneys tend to charge more for their services. Since your freedom and reputation are at stake, you should invest in the best attorney you can afford.
Since criminal cases are often resolved through plea agreements with the district attorney’s office, it can be important for a criminal attorney to be on good terms with the district attorney. Certainly, good relationships between the two of you can only make your case better. Therefore, you will want an attorney who has fairly regular contact with the prosecutor in the county where your case resides. Also, it is a good idea to hire an attorney who is affiliated with a group like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Such an association shows that your lawyer wants to be aware of new developments in the area of criminal law.
Before hiring a criminal lawyer, be sure to ask for references. You will want to know how clients view the attorney’s experience. You should also obtain a copy of the brochure from the law firm, so that you have a clear understanding of the team you are dealing with. It is also vitally important that you obtain a copy of the advance contract from the attorney so that you are aware of the initial costs involved in obtaining legal representation.
In the end, you will want to select an attorney that you are comfortable with, one who truly understands your case and can work well on your behalf. You will find that the fees of an effective criminal attorney are well worth it.