Hiring a Criminal Lawyer

There are a number of situations in life where you must decide whether to retain 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 a good idea. However, if you have been charged with driving under the influence, assault, or some other crime, hiring a criminal defense attorney is mandatory. You will want to make sure that your legal rights are protected throughout the court process.

But where do you start when you hope to hire a qualified criminal defense 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 referral. In those situations, you might consider checking with your local bar association or an Internet site like Lawyers.com. The Internet, in fact, can provide a wealth of information on individual attorneys. For example, you can find out about a lawyer’s level of experience in criminal law, biographical information, whether the lawyer is in good standing with the bar, and other relevant facts. In addition, the online archives of your local newspaper may include articles about cases that a particular attorney has tried. You will want to retain an attorney who is highly experienced in the area of ​​criminal law involved in your case, whether it be traffic offenses, drug offenses, or white collar crimes.

The next step is to contact the attorney’s office. If an attorney can’t meet with you on short notice, don’t rule it out. Effective lawyers are pretty busy, so if a lawyer is short on time, it can actually be a positive sign. Pay close attention to how the attorney’s staff handles your call. 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 may 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 engage in some comparison 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.

Given the fact that criminal cases are often resolved through plea agreements with the district attorney’s office, it may be important for a criminal attorney to be in good standing with the district attorney. Certainly, good relations between the two can only improve your case. Therefore, you will want an attorney who has fairly regular contact with the prosecutor in the county in which your case resides. Also, it’s a good idea if you hire an attorney affiliated with a group like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Such an association shows that your lawyer wants to keep abreast of new developments in the area of ​​criminal law.

Before hiring a criminal attorney, be sure to ask for references. You’ll want to know how clients view the attorney’s experience. You should also get a copy of the law firm’s brochure, so you have a clear idea of ​​the company you are dealing with. It is also vitally important that you obtain a copy of the attorney retainer agreement 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 feel comfortable with, one that truly understands your case and can work well on your behalf. You will discover that an effective criminal attorney is well worth his fees.