Did you know that one in every three adults in the U.S. has a criminal record? Whether or not you’ve ever needed a criminal defense lawyer to help get you out of a messy situation, it pays to know how to find suitable legal representation if the need ever arises.
One lawyer isn’t necessarily as good as another. And when you consider what might be at stake if you’re on the losing end of a court ruling, it makes sense to get the best help possible. But what sorts of qualities should you look for in a criminal defense attorney worth hiring?
Keep reading to see five things to look for in a criminal defense lawyer if you ever need one.
1. Look for Specialization
When looking for a reputable criminal law attorney, look for one who specializes in criminal law. You’ve likely heard the saying that a jack of all trades is a master of none. Well, that’s not the sort of lawyer you’ll want to retain. A lawyer who does some criminal law cases, some family law cases, and some personal injury cases won’t have the specialization you want.
Find a criminal law attorney whose practice focuses solely on criminal law defense cases. Doing so will allow you to retain a lawyer who can prepare the best possible defense for you.
2. Look for Responsiveness
It’s also essential to find a criminal law lawyer who is responsive. When you call to ask questions or book an initial consultation, how responsive is the law practice? Do the staff in the legal office give you the assistance you require without your having to wait for an eternity?
Does the criminal law attorney you want to represent you respond within a reasonable time frame? You’ll want to find an attorney who gets back to you quickly, whether by phone or email.
3. Look for Billing Transparency
You’ll also want to find a criminal law attorney with a transparent billing structure. No one wants to be surprised when they get a bill. A reputable criminal law lawyer will ensure you know what services they offer, explain their unique value proposition to you, and ensure you understand how much the services rendered will cost. There should be no surprises.
4. Look at Reputation
Reputation is important. This is especially the case when you’re looking for a service provider. One of the best ways to figure out how a criminal law attorney will treat you is to consider how they’ve treated clients in the past. That’s where reviews come in.
When you research lawyers and find some that look promising, read online reviews from previous clients. Another option is to ask people you know who may have retained criminal law attorneys in the past. You can decide which lawyers to consider based on what you read in reviews or hear from people you know.
5. Look at Skills
It’s best not to hire a criminal law attorney who has been in the field for a short period. Experience matters. It doesn’t guarantee competence. But odds are that you’ll be better served by someone with many years or decades of experience over someone with a shorter track record. An experienced privacy breach lawyers will have expertise in helping people from all walks of life.
If you’re facing criminal charges, you’ll want an experienced criminal law attorney in your corner. A legal professional knows the law and can put together the best possible case for your defense. Keep the abovementioned tips in mind. While you’ll no doubt hope you never need to retain a lawyer, knowing how to find one when you need one is critical.
