How to hire a criminal defense
lawyer.
If you have been arrested for committing
a crime, you need the representation of an aggressive criminal
defense attorney immediately. Your attorney should listen
to what you have to say and look out for your best interests.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will attempt to: 1)
have your criminal charges dropped, 2) keep you out of jail,
3) reduce your sentence, or 4) get you an alternate sentence.
You have a lot at stake when you are a defendant in a criminal
case. Choosing a lawyer is an important decision, as it can
make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful
outcome. This page is provided to give you some helpful hints
on hiring the criminal defense attorney that is right for
you.
What to avoid when you need to hire
a Criminal Defense lawyer:
Many people do not know where to find a skilled
and qualified attorney who can aggressively represent their
case. The following are some common mistakes that people make
when choosing a criminal defense attorney:
- Criminal defense lawyer referral from
a friend: Your friend probably had a different legal situation
compared to yours, requiring different attributes in an
attorney, which may not be enough to drop your criminal
charges, keep you out of jail, or reduce your sentence.
- Finding a criminal defense lawyer in the
yellow-pages: Yellow pages are impersonal and do not give
you the background information that you need to hire a competent
criminal defense attorney.
- Choosing a criminal defense attorney because
the office is local: Convenience should not be more significant
than skill, professionalism, compassion, and the ability
to effectively represent your case. You should find an attorney
who has all of the qualities that are needed for a successful
outcome in your case.
- Choosing an inexperienced criminal defense
attorney: Your attorney should be up to date with current
laws and cases regarding all areas that relate to your criminal
defense case. Your lawyer should have the knowledge to answer
questions quickly and effortlessly.
- Choosing the first lawyer that you speak
to: Give yourself a chance to speak to a few different criminal
defense attorneys and see what they have to offer. Choosing
a criminal defense lawyer is an important decision that
needs to be made with a lot of consideration, you do not
need to settle on the first lawyer that you speak with.
How to Choose the Right Criminal
Defense Attorney
When you are involved in a legal matter you
should hire an experienced attorney that you feel meets your
needs. The criminal defense attorney that you choose should
be a person that is experienced and that you feel comfortable
with. Remember that you and your criminal defense lawyer will
be spending a great deal of time together, so compatibility
is essential. The following are some characteristics that
you should look for when choosing a criminal defense attorney:
- Choose a lawyer who has experience in criminal defense
law.
- Choose an attorney that has successful case results.
- Choose a lawyer that has positive testimonials from previous
clients.
- Choose an attorney who has the time and resources to represent
your criminal defense claim.
- Choose a lawyer who takes continuing education classes.
- Choose an attorney who provides aggressive representation.
- Choose a lawyer who will meet with you personally for
the initial consultation.
- Choose an attorney with reasonable fees.
- Choose a lawyer that you are confident will represent
your case with the skills necessary, and encompasses all
of the characteristics that you think are important in a
criminal defense attorney.
10 Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense
Lawyer BEFORE Hiring
When you are choosing a criminal defense
lawyer you may ask him or her case-related questions that
will help you decide if they are the right attorney for you.
He or she should be willing and able to answer your questions
and inform you of any pertinent issues that may help your
case.
- Does the attorney practice criminal defense
law?
- Does the lawyer have experience successfully
representing cases that are similar to my case?
- How long has the attorney been practicing
criminal defense law?
- Is the lawyer associated with any reputable
law associations?
- Has the attorney successfully settled
many cases on behalf of his or her clients?
- Do former clients have positive statements
to make in regards to the experience with their lawyer?
- Does the lawyer provide a free initial
consultation?
Will the attorney explain the legal process and all aspects
of your case to you?
- Does the lawyer have the time and
staff to adequately represent your legal matter?
How does the lawyer expect to be paid (hourly or contingency
fee)?
If you have been charged
with a crime in Northern California, contact a San Jose Criminal
Defense Lawyer at Harmon & Associates today for a free
initial consultation!
