If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you’ll need a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side. Whether you are under investigation or officially being charged, it’s essential to bring a criminal defense attorney on board early to craft a strategy that gives you the best chance at a positive outcome. You’ll need a legal expert who can ensure that your constitutional liberties are honored and will help you navigate your case’s legalities.
Of course, when you face serious criminal charges, you don’t want just any criminal lawyer; you’ll want the best criminal attorney you can afford. In this article, we’ll explore how you can choose the best criminal defense attorney for your case.
How Can You Find A Good Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you’ve never been in a situation where you needed to hire a criminal defense lawyer, you might not know where to start. An excellent place to start is to seek referrals from friends and family members. If you know a lawyer that practices in another area of law, they may have contacts that could be useful to you. If you’re not comfortable with telling people about your situation, you can always take the search online.
Once you’ve made a list of possible attorneys you can represent in your criminal case, you’ll need to choose which one is the best fit for you. Here are some tips for selecting the right criminal defense attorney.
Attorney Experience
Experience is vital when it comes to any legal professional. It’s important to hire a criminal defense attorney that has experience handling cases like yours. For instance, if you face driving under the influence charges, it’s best to hire an experienced DWI lawyer or a DUI attorney. They will know the laws surrounding cases such as yours as well as a firm grasp of the most proven strategies in DUI defense.
Success Rate
You want a criminal defense attorney on your side that can help you win your case if it goes to trial. Likewise, if the case does not bode well for your success, you want a lawyer who can fight for you and have your charges significantly reduced. You should find out the success rate of any attorney you are considering hiring.
How many cases have they won? As we mentioned earlier, an attorney with extensive experience in cases like yours stands the best chance of success, choosing proven strategies and noting the evidence to potentially have your case dismissed if possible.
Read the Client Reviews
Past client testimonials can be very helpful in selecting an attorney. A quick Google search can typically yield reviews from clients who have previously hired the attorney you have in mind. You can even read reviews on your attorney on several reputable websites. Successful attorneys are proud to share their record of success and often welcome testimonials from clients on their website to showcase their client satisfaction.
Schedule A Consultation
A consultation is a great way to briefly get to know a specific attorney and determine whether they are a good fit for you. During this face-to-face meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, and the attorney will give you some insight on how they can best help you.
Most attorneys offer free consultations, so it’s best to sit with them both if you have a few choices. It’s best to hire an attorney who is confident that they can help you. Steer clear of criminal lawyers who focus on obtaining bail more than they do your case. Don’t be afraid to ask all questions during the consultation and make sure you clearly understand your circumstances and options.
Know How Much Will It Cost You
Cost is the final determining factor. You will need to find out detailed information on the costs associated with securing their services. Many people don’t know that some criminal lawyers charge the same fee for each hearing while others charge a different fee depending on the nature of the hearing.
Other criminal defense lawyers charge by the hour, while some fees require a flat rate to be paid upfront. Ultimately, you should only hire an attorney if you can afford their fees. Don’t be afraid to ask for their billing rates in writing so that you can estimate your expenses.
Southern Maryland Criminal Defense is on Your Side
It’s no secret that life can get complicated, but navigating those tricky waters can be a lot easier with an attorney who you can trust. Don’t let legal troubles overwhelm you and make sure the attorney at your side is someone you can trust to defend what matters.
Here at Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we dedicate our time to guiding you from start to finish and ensuring your case gets the attention it deserves. Our goal is to protect your rights and your future by fighting for the best outcome for your case.
We are committed to walking with you from start to finish and giving your unique case the attention it deserves.