If you need to find a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, you may be looking for the best one out there. Regardless of how minor the alleged crime is, a good defense lawyer can be priceless.
Below, you will find a few tips that could help you to find the best defense lawyer for you:
Find a Lawyer with Experience
One of the first things you should do is look for a criminal defense lawyer with experience. There may be a few near Santa Ana Ca with the experience you need. Make sure the attorney you choose is familiar with the District Attorneys and Judges in your area. While you may be tempted to choose someone relatively new to the world of law, it could be a mistake.
The more familiar your defense lawyer is with the world of law, the better they could be. This is not to say that new defense lawyers don’t know what they’re doing. Someone with experience could prove to be more beneficial to your case.
Consider the Cost
A cheap lawyer might not be what you need. Cheap lawyers are cheap for a reason. The best defense lawyers out there cost a lot more. However, there are some payment options that could make even the most expensive criminal defense lawyer cheaper for you.
Some defense lawyers may request an upfront fee, whereas others work on a contingency basis. In other words, they can take a percentage of any settlement that you’re awarded. If a defense lawyer agrees to take your case on a contingency basis, they may think you could win. However, you should always be aware of any hidden charges that are added to your case. Be wary of any defense lawyer who does not mention what their charges are.
Read Testimonials
When you buy a product online, chances are you’ll read any reviews or testimonials that have been published. You should consider doing the same before you hire a criminal defense lawyer.
What are other people saying about the lawyer? If there are no testimonials available, ask the lawyer where you can find them. Don’t be afraid to check out Google and other sources for reviews. If you can’t find any positive reviews about the lawyer in question, look elsewhere.
Step Away From Guaranteed Success
No lawyer should ever guarantee that your case will be successful. Most criminal cases are more complicated than you think. If a defense lawyer guarantees you success, you need to walk away. Chances are, they are only after the paycheck. There is no guarantee for any case even if it seems you’re likely to win. Doubt anyone who tells you otherwise.
Find a Lawyer Who Makes You Feel Comfortable
You will need to be completely honest with any criminal defense lawyer you meet. Sometimes you can only be honest with a lawyer that you feel comfortable with. Listen to your instincts and go with what they are telling you. If your instincts are telling you to walk away, you need to walk away. If your instincts are telling you to stick with the lawyer, stick with them.
There is something else that you will need to consider. Think about the strategy that your defense lawyer is considering using. Are you comfortable with it? If you’re not, you may have to look elsewhere. You could be completely comfortable with your chosen lawyer, their experience, and their skill. However, if you don’t like their strategy, it could be time to walk away.
Work Out How Many Lawyers You’re Hiring
How many criminal defense lawyers will you be hiring? You might want to hire a team of attorneys if your case is very complicated. If you are, try to find a team of lawyers who have experience in your case. They will need to know the local District Attorneys and Judges. Ideally, the team of lawyers will know how much work is ahead of them while also offering you a realistic perspective on your case.
If there is a real chance that you need more lawyers to work on your case, can they bring another one in? What will happen if one of your lawyers falls ill? Will they bring in a replacement or will the other lawyers be left with a heavier workload? These are all things that you need to consider if you need more than one criminal defense lawyer.
Use the above tips to help you find a criminal defense lawyer that will work hard for you. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to someone if they don’t have the skills or experience that you need. Search wisely, and you’re more likely to find a lawyer who can help you.
