(Newswire.net — September 21, 2018) — Being arrested for a crime, no matter how serious, is a situation you can never take lightly. No matter what type of crime you have been accused of committing, it’s important to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you. The right attorney can ensure that your rights are well protected and that the charges against you can possibly be reduced or even dropped. Of course, knowing how to go about hiring a lawyer is absolutely essential. Here are the necessary steps to take when you are looking for a good criminal defense attorney.
What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney
A truly good criminal defense attorney has a rich background in handling a variety of criminal cases. They should be well versed in misdemeanors, felonies, drug-related cases, white collar crimes, state and federal crimes and more. The attorney you ultimately select to handle your case should know the ins and outs of criminal law. As a result, you will want to know their background, knowledge, area of expertise and level of skill in their craft.
Above all else, a criminal defense attorney needs to have the highest level of skill so that you can have the best chance of the charges against you being reduced or dropped altogether. The lawyer should be completely familiar with crime scene investigations, dealing with the police and interviewing witnesses and have full knowledge of photos, video, sketches and polygraph exams. You will also want your criminal defense attorney to have experience dealing with cases at both the state and local levels.
How to Find a Criminal Defense Attorney
There are many ways you can find a criminal defense lawyer. Checking online is one good way as long as you perform thorough research on a website like Avvo.com or Martindale.com. You can also get a referral for an attorney from a family member or friend who may know of one. Any suggestions someone you trust gives you should be taken to heart, especially at such a trying time.
You can also meet with a few criminal defense attorneys in a free initial consultation. Many offer this service to prospective clients so that they can get a feel for whether they are a good fit. You should take this opportunity to ask any and all questions that are lingering on your mind. Remember that you are under no obligation to hire any one particular lawyer at this time because you want to find the best fit. Bring all the paperwork related to your case so that you can ask the right questions.
Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney
When you meet with any criminal defense attorney, there are certain questions you should ask. After all, you want to know that they are qualified to handle your case. For instance, if you are charged with theft, you won’t want to have a lawyer who strictly defends sex offenders representing you. The following are questions you should ask:
• Where did you study law and when did you graduate?
• How long have you been practicing?
• How often are you in the court where my case is to be handled?
• What is your relationship with the prosecutor’s office?
• What percentage do you deal with clients with charges similar to mine in your practice?
• Are you a member of any professional organizations or bar associations, and if so, which ones?
• What are my options and would you suggest going to trial, pleading guilty or a plea agreement?
• What parts of the case may work in my favor?
• Do you see any potential issues in my case?
• Would you be available to represent me in my case?
• How do you charge your clients? Is there a retainer fee I have to pay?
• In addition to your fee, are there any extra expenses would I have to pay?
If you have been arrested on criminal charges, you want to look for an experienced attorney like William Hanlon, criminal defense lawyer in St. Petersburg who can help answer many of the above questions for you.