If you’ve been accused of a crime, the most important thing is not to panic. There are hundreds if not thousands of lawyers who specialize in criminal defense, and here are just seven ways to find the one that’s right for you.
1. Know Your Needs
Traffic violations are a matter of state, so if you’re disputing a ticket, you’ll want a lawyer who specializes in state law. If you’ve been charged with fraud or other federal charges, you’ll need a federal lawyer with experience in the higher courts. Not all criminal defense attorneys handle the same kinds of cases, so start your search in the correct branch of law.
2. Ask Around
Lawyers like Robert Bratt have a reputation for toughness. Others are known for their delicacy and subtlety in high-profile cases. Some are lawyers for the man on the street; others are reserved exclusively for corporate executives and CEOs. Before you get your heart set on any attorney in particular, examine their pedigree for compatibility with your case.
3. Check Their Qualifications
Where did they go to school? Do they have a J.D. or an LL.M? Are they a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) or any local groups like the New York State Defenders Association (NYSDA)? Keep in mind that specialists are sometimes required by law to get extra accreditation in their field, so if you’re looking for an expert in appellate practice, you’ll want someone with special appellate certification.
4. Examine Their Record
A lawyer’s past will tell you everything you need to know about their skills, experience and ease in front of a jury. For example, you’ll want to avoid anyone with numerous losses on their docket. You’ll also want to avoid a court-hungry lawyer if you’re looking to settle your case quietly and without publicity. Don’t be afraid to ask your lawyer directly about their percentages, statistics and win-to-loss ratios.
5. Look for an Online Presence
You don’t want a lawyer who’s behind the times, especially if your case involves, say, identity theft or cyber fraud. Make sure your criminal defense attorney has an active presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social media platforms. Look for signs that they update their pages personally and with relevant content.
6. Ask About Payment Options
Many lawyers charge by the hour, but others can be persuaded to accept a flat fee or even a commission from your winnings if you’re counter-suing. Others still might be willing to work out alternative fee arrangements (AFAs) if you’re in dire financial straits or if your case will bring them a lot of press. Once you’ve chosen a lawyer, sit down with them and hammer out the details of their payment right away.
7. Meet the Team
Attorneys rarely work a case by themselves. They usually have assistants, associates and paralegals to do things like file paperwork and interview witnesses, and if you’re serious about getting the best legal representation possible, you’ll want to meet the entire team and ensure that they meet your standards. Don’t trust your future to a group that doesn’t inspire your complete confidence.
These are just seven tips for finding and hiring a good criminal defense attorney. Remember, people walk away from criminal allegations every day, and you can be one of them as long as you select the right lawyer.
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1 Comment
These steps are very inspiring. I feel like diving into this already. Nice!