Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are arrested for a crime you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. He or she has a better sense of what you should and should not say to law enforcement officers to avoid being misinterpreted or misunderstood. The lawyer also can advise you or your family or friends on the bail process
The most important decision a criminal defendant can make is hiring the right criminal defense lawyer. Don't make a mistake of using a lawyer whose primary practice is not criminal defense. You wouldn't go to a dentist if you break your arm so don't hire a family or civil attorney to represent you in a criminal matter. Seek a criminal defense practitioner.
Your lawyer's personality and demeanor are very important. Look for a confident and tough lawyer that has a good reputation with the prosecutors and judges involved in your case.
There is nothing worse than a lawyer with a bad reputation as being a "dump truck". A dump truck lawyer is a lawyer that just takes whatever deal they initially get from the prosecutor. Make sure the lawyer you are hiring is not a dump truck.
It is very important to hire your lawyer immediately. Time is not on your side. The sooner your lawyer gets involved on your side the better off you will be regardless of the charges you are facing.
For those of you who are considering representing yourself in (Pro Per) you are making a big mistake. There is an old saying that goes: 'He who represents himself has a fool for a client'. Don't make that mistake. Although you have a legal right to, you are seriously putting yourself at a great disadvantage. Also, Criminal laws change all the time, almost on a daily basis. That is why it is so important to consult with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Certain criminal convictions can have serious consequences on your life. BE AWARE.
Not only should you hire a good lawyer but you should also be a good client. That means you should inform yourself and actively participate in your defense. Ask questions and be honest and straightforward with your lawyer. Remember what you tell your lawyer is privileged. Our firm philosophy is such that we work together as a team with our clients to obtain the best results.
Here Are Some Questions You Should Ask Your Lawyer:
- What are the charges against me? And what are the consequences if I am found guilty? What are some sentencing alternatives?
- What are some of my potential defenses and how will they apply to the facts of my case? What is the defense strategy? Plea bargain - Motions - Trial
- How many similar cases have you handled and what have been some of the outcomes?
- What kind of evidence will The State present against me and how will you obtain this evidence (Discovery)?
- How much defense investigation will need to be done and at what cost? What can I do to help?
- What is an expert witness and will I need one? How much will it cost?
- What can I do right now to improve the outcome of my situation? Should I enroll in any classes? Should I obtain employment? Should I seek any medical attention?
- What if any evidence can be excluded based on improper police conduct? Do the current search and seizure laws apply to my case?
- How should I act in court, in front of witnesses, with probation officers, and prosecutors?
- What can I discuss with my friends and family members? How should I deal with those issues?
Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney
Finding the right attorney is definitely one of the most important life decisions you will ever make. The first thing you must remember when selecting an attorney is that you will definitely need a criminal defense specialist (i.e. attorney) whose primary (if not exclusive) practice is dedicated to defending criminal cases. Do not make the mistake of utilizing someone who represented you in a civil matter. In fact, any reputable attorney will (or at least should) immediately refer you to a criminal defense attorney.
You must find the most skillful and experienced attorney that you can afford. Trial experience is especially important, whether you are guilty or completely innocent of the charges. Your attorney must be experienced in investigating and preparing motions concerning search and seizure law, motions to dismiss following a preliminary hearing, or reducing a felony to a misdemeanor etc. Keep in mind, a vast majority of criminal cases do not go to trial, but are instead settled through negotiating. Your attorney must therefore be respected by local judges and prosecutors with whom he or she will be negotiating.
Before you make a final decision to retain a lawyer to defend you, ask him or her to explain a defense strategy and why he or she believes it will be successful. And, again, DO NOT DELAY!!! Time is not on your side (something you should constantly keep at the forefront of your thoughts). The sooner you get an attorney involved in your case, the better off you will be. It does not matter whether you are guilty of all the charges, some of them or if you are completely innocent. You still must fined and retain the best lawyer you can afford.
Perhaps the best advice we can offer is that, no matter what attorney you select, or if one is appointed to you, be sure that the attorney clearly understands your case. You should always have your attorney explain exactly what happened to you so that you are sure he or she clearly understands the truth in full. Do not let your attorney prepare a defense based solely on what the prosecutor claimed happened! Do not think that your attorney is going to take care of everything! You absolutely have to play an active role in your defense. You are the one going to jail if you lose, not your attorney.
Our attorneys are dedicated Criminal Defense Practitioners with well-established reputations. Throughout the years our firm has earned a reputation as an aggressive and zealous law firm devoted to the constitutional rights and protections of the accused.
Our commitment to excellence provides our clients with personalized service and our experience and dedication means that you'll have access to the best legal representation, knowledge, and education on your matter. We use innovative solutions to handle complex and sophisticated matters in a cost effective manner.
We are also very active in the legal community and hold memberships in many legal organizations such as: