If you are wrongfully charged with a crime in Houston or in any other state, it is always a smart decision to seek legal counsel and representation. Though you think it is just a minor offense, it can still result in a criminal record that can put you in difficult situations afterward.
According to research, a criminal record can have negative consequences that you could experience when finding a job, pursuing education, getting a driving license, going to another country, or even getting a place to live in. That is why you should not hesitate to get a lawyer when you are put in such a situation.
However, not all lawyers are created equal. So, when it comes to criminal defense, you should only get the best criminal defense attorney Houston has to offer.
Finding the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Situation
The nature of your offense will heavily factor into how your case will be handled. Make sure you have the right lawyer by your side by following these steps.
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Look for experience that is relevant to your case.
There would be no point in hiring an attorney who specializes in drunk driving when you are facing charges for online solicitation. Criminal law is a broad, complex, and ever-evolving system, so it is important to work with someone who has extensive experience under their belt defending clients in the same situation as you.
Law firms would offer a free consultation. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and determine if the lawyer they provide you has the experience you need.
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Ask for referrals.
This is a good way of knowing how good a lawyer was in handling your situation. So, if you need money laundering defense services, ask your relatives and friends about a potential lawyer who might have represented them in similar cases. If they said it was particularly bad, then there will be no reason to call such a lawyer. On the other hand, if they are speaking about a certain attorney in good light, then you can consider having an appointment with them.
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Gauge their proficiency.
The best criminal defense attorney Houston has to offer will give you a good experience right at the start. During your first meeting, you can decide whether you want to hire them or not by asking the right questions and seeing how they respond to you.
Ideally, they should communicate with you in the most appropriate and professional manner. Consequently, they would also throw in the right questions to build a strong defense strategy for your case.
Aside from this, they should also be transparent about the fees and costs involved in their services.
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Read client reviews and testimonials.
Aside from seeking referrals, another good way to know the competence of a law firm criminal defense attorney is by checking out online resources dedicated to lawyers. However, when choosing these sources, evaluate their trustworthiness. Make no mistake—some sites are created to paint a rosy picture for certain lawyers. On the other hand, resources like Google+ and Facebook do not allow users to remove bad reviews, so might want to start searching for honest feedback there.
However, this does not mean that you should count a lawyer out because of one or two negative reviews. When doing your assessment, you should get a general idea of what their previous and existing clients have to say about them to come up with a well-informed decision.
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Check their license and credentials.
Of course, you should not forget to check a lawyer’s license and credentials. You can do this by asking the firm directly during your initial call or checking out their website. You can also double-check the licensing information with the state bar association.
Verdict
With your reputation and quality of life on the line, you should do your due diligence to find the best criminal defense attorney Houston has to offer for your situation. You can do your research online and follow the tips mentioned above, but the best way to gauge their quality is by speaking to them in person before signing an agreement with them.
Trust your instinct and do not be afraid to ask questions. If you think something is amiss, then do not hesitate to move on with your search. Remember, you are the client, and the right attorney can protect your interest the best way possible.
For more valuable tips and information, check out the other articles on our website!
