An arrest may turn things around in a blink. Your hands tremble as they slide on the cuffs. You feel your thoughts racing. What is next?
To be quite honest, I never imagined that I would require the services of a criminal lawyer. But there I stood gazing at indictments which meant the end of me. When every action constituted panicking, it felt like finding the right attorney was something impossible.
The experience taught me these lessons about seeking good legal support when the world seems to be falling apart.
Start Your Search Before You Need One
This may sound crazy, but the ideal time to hire a criminal lawyer is when you do not need one. I only wish I had heard this many years ago.
You cannot think straight when you are facing charges. Being under time pressure simplifies bad choices. Study lawyers when you are in a sober state of mind and have the time to do a comparison.
Have a few names on your phone. Life always tends to take you by surprise.
Ask the Right People for Names
Your family physician cannot assist in this. Not your college friend who is a divorce lawyer.
Criminal law is otherwise. You require somebody who bleeds and sweats this stuff day in, day out.
Phone your local bar association. They maintain lists of local criminal defense attorneys. The majority of them provide services like referral, free of charge.
Consult bail bondsmen. They deal with criminal lawyers daily, and they understand who delivers. Lawyers are observed during working hours by court clerks, who are not competent to recommend anything.
Look for Trial Experience
Now here is something that stunned me: most lawyers hardly ever go to trial. They accept plea bargains and move on.
What you want is someone who has been in the trenches and has fought cases. They would like to know the number of trials over the last year they have dealt with. Good attorneys will provide true figures rather than vague answers.
Previous experience with similar cases is also important. DUI and theft charges are not the same. There are rules in drug crimes. Get an expert who understands your kind of case like the back of their hand.
Check Their Track Record
I was anxious about this section. How do you inquire about the victories or losses of an individual without appearing to be a crass fellow?
Ask straight out. Good lawyers know why you have to know. They will discuss current case outcomes and provide their explanations.
See what their disciplinary record is in your state bar. A couple of complaints in several years may be expected. Numerous new issues are warning signs.
Meet Them in Person
It is not the whole story of phone calls. You have to sit opposite this individual and get acquainted with him/her.
Do they hear when you speak? Are they able to explain things to you understand? Would you be able to imagine them pleading your case before a jury?
Follow your instinct. Just in case it does not seem right in the meeting, continue searching. This individual may be the one to represent you in the largest battle of your life.
Understand the Money Part
Lawyer costs sting. It cannot be avoided. Cheap lawyers can also be expensive.
Many criminal attorneys accept flat rates on certain types of cases. Before agreeing to any agreement, make it all in writing.
Inquire about payment schemes. A lot of lawyers practice this with their clients. Do not allow the money to make you take the wrong decision.
There are those lawyers who need retainers in advance. Others are on bills during employment. Be conversant with what system they are using before you become bound.
Red Flags to Watch For
The lawyers who assure positive results are deceiving. In criminal cases, no one can guarantee results.
Stay away from lawyering attorneys who appear to be too busy to communicate. If they hurry through your consultation, they will be hurrying through your case.
Watch out for lawyers criticizing other lawyers. This typically indicates their issues.
Trust Your Decision
When you are scared and confused, selecting a lawyer seems impossible. You doubt every decision.
But there is more than you imagine. There is a way to know when people are serious with you. You will identify a person who takes an interest in your case.
The attorney of your right will not turn you away and seem to be condemning you, but the right one will make you feel understood. They will make your decisions clear and will allow you to make educated conclusions about your future.
Obtaining reputable legal assistance is not available in a short period. However, making the right decision can alter everything regarding the outcome of your case.
It may be the key to your freedom.
