Finding a criminal defense attorney can be a nerve-racking process, especially if you are the one facing possible conviction. While weighing your options and going on interviews and consultations, you will likely be plagued by feelings of dread and worry. To ease your anxiety, consider the six leading attributes of a successful defense lawyer.
1. Experience
The main thing you need to be concerned with is the lawyer’s experience. Now, experience goes beyond the courtroom. Are they familiar with your charges, your case? A drug charge is significantly different from an assault or DWI. You want to find an attorney with expertise in your case type.
2. Legal Team
Next, while there are plenty of lawyers out there who work solo, depending on your charges, it is often better to find a lawyer with access to a legal team. When a criminal case involves multiple charges and witnesses, it is beneficial to have a team of researchers and investigators who work with your lawyer to create your defense.
3. References
Never hire an attorney without first checking into their references. You want to know their success rate and their reputation working with clients. Also, look into there professional reputation. You can check with the local bar to see if there are any disciplinary actions against your attorney of choice. Do your homework.
4. Communication
Next, when going to consultations, go prepared with questions, and pay attention to the willingness of the attorney to answer and explain their answers. While most attorneys are highly skilled and intelligent, some can have difficulty explaining legal issues in laymen’s terms, which is a problem when you are on trial.
5. Confidence
Another essential attribute of an attorney is confidence. However, do not confuse confidence and arrogance. A lawyer should be confident in their ability, but when their confidence leads to promises of definitive outcomes, they are arrogant. No lawyer should promise results, but they should promise to fight as hard as they can.
6. Fee
Last, compare attorney fees. While it can be tempting to hire the most expensive attorney, remember price does not always equal quality. You are better off choosing an attorney from the middle of the pack, who seems fair and skilled.
Hiring an attorney for your legal defense should not be taken lightly. Make sure that any attorney you are looking to hire at least possesses the above six attributes. Also, contact local law offices and schedule consultations, allowing yourself a variety of choices.