Find Criminal Law Attorney By Laura Evans
Do you think that you are going to be arrested for a crime? If so, it is time to seek help from a good criminal law attorney. A good lawyer can make the difference between a heavy sentence and a light sentence, or no sentence at all.
Hiring a Criminal Law Attorney
Remember: you do not have to hire the first criminal law attorney that you see. Take the time to find the right lawyer for your circumstances. Consider the following:
- What is the crime for which you are being accused? You should probably consider hiring a specialist. After all, why hire a generalist in criminal law or an attorney specializing in drunk driving when you may be arrested for theft?
- How long has the criminal law attorney that you are considering hiring been in practice? A lawyer who has just passed the bar may not have enough experience in law in general, let alone criminal law, to effectively help you with your situation.
- Before hiring a criminal law attorney, check his or her background. Learn about the lawyer's conviction rates. How many of the attorney's clients have been convicted of crimes versus how many of his or her clients have been proven to be "not guilty?" You should hire someone who has a higher percentage of wins than losses.
- What types of sentences have the attorney's clients received? If the sentences are of a “long” duration, you may want to consider hiring another lawyer. You will want an attorney who has been able to get “shorter” sentences for his or her convicted clients.
- Make sure the criminal law attorney that you end up hiring will not pass you over to a colleague. The person who represents you in court should be the person to whom you paid your retainer fee. Another lawyer may not have the understanding of your case or the abilities to give you the best representation.
- Do you communicate comfortably and effectively with your potential attorney? If you do not feel that you can trust a particular criminal law attorney, look for someone else.
Walk away from a criminal law attorney who tries to intimidate you into a hire. If a lawyer uses high pressure tactics to get you to sign on the dotted line, the attorney may be more interested in your money than in handling your case professionally.
Additional Legal Services:
Nationwide Find an Attorney Services:
American Bar Association
Service Center
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
800-285-2221
Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
800-526-4902 ext. 8001