how to find the defense attorney

7 Steps for Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney

• Step 1: Find a Prospective Attorney The first step to finding an attorney is simple. ...
• Step 2: Interview Your Candidate That’s right. ...
• Step 3: Interview Multiple Lawyers or Law firms It’s true, interviewing one lawyer is hard enough. ...
• Step 4: Conduct a background check ...
• Step 5: Secret Tip! ...
• Step 6: Keep Researching ...
• Step 7: R esearch the law ...

Full Answer

How many criminal cases end up with plea bargains?

The overwhelming majority of criminal cases are resolved with a plea deal. According to statistics kept by the United States government, approximately 97% of federal cases, and 94% of state cases, end up with a plea bargain. You should always keep in mind that you, and only you, decide on whether you go to trial or accept a plea bargain.

What is a felony case?

The majority of felony cases are much more complex than Violation and Misdemeanor cases. They often involve forensic evidence such as DNA, autopsies, accident reconstruction, ballistic analysis, fingerprints, communication intercepts, etc. In order to effectively represent you, your attorney should be very well versed in all these areas, as well as the case law and court rules that correspond to them. If the attorney doesn’t have experience in these areas, how can the attorney evaluate the State’s evidence, find the holes in the State’s case, and possibly keep the evidence out of trial? How much of this type of evidence do you think the average criminal defense attorney, who handles mostly Circuit Court cases where you can’t be incarcerated, has any significant experience in?

Do former prosecutors have a good working relationship with other prosecutors?

Prosecutors have tremendous discretion in how to handle their cases. When discretionary decisions have to be made, or can be made, it is human nature that it could be beneficial for your attorney to have a good working relationship with the prosecutor.

Do trial lawyers have to be born?

Talented criminal trial lawyers are not just born. But they are also not just made either. Like any highly skilled craft, it takes years of learning, honing, and perfecting skills to become an effective and persuasive advocate. And at the end of the day, some people just aren’t cut out to be trial lawyers. The ability to persuade a jury is something that takes experience, and some people just won’t get much better than when they start out. There is some element of performance art in trying cases, and most lawyers never become effective trial attorneys.

What should a criminal defense attorney know?

The best criminal defense attorney has a certain level of familiarity and comfort with the laws and the criminal justice system.

How to find a good attorney?

The way to find this attorney is to look for enthusiasm. While your attorney should be experienced, the number of years of experience isn’t everything. The right attorney has a certain level of sincere interest in their work, and they must be eager to dive into your case on your behalf.

What is the next step in a criminal case?

If you already understand the importance of having an excellent attorney when you’re facing a criminal charge, the next step is finding the best criminal defense attorney to represent you. Not all lawyers are created the same, and finding the right attorney can make all the difference when it comes to putting up the best defense possible.

What is the practice of law?

The practice of law is just that — practice. Your attorney needs regular involvement in criminal law to stay up to date on the nuances of this type of law and the best possible defenses.

What is your charge to defend?

Ultimately, your criminal charge is yours to defend. Your attorney should control the specific methods of mounting your defense like filing court motions and what witnesses to call, but the big decisions are up to you.

What type of experience matters in a criminal case?

One type of experience that matters is courtroom experience. Criminal trials move fast. Sometimes, your attorney has mere seconds to make an objection that could impact the outcome of the case. Make sure your attorney has enough experience to know the court rules and have confidence and comfort in a court hearing.

How long does it take for a lawyer to respond to a phone call?

When you contact a lawyer, they should respond quickly. Their legal team should be able to arrange a meeting with you within one day. If they’re quick to answer to your phone call or email, they’re probably going to be equally on the ball when it comes to defending you.

How to sign up for Andlawyers?

In order to sign up for AndLawyers, please visit our website. If you need any further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (888) 900-3080 or send an email to [email protected]. Our 24/7 customer support service is standing by to answer all your questions and provide support if needed.

What is an andlawyer?

AndLawyers is an innovative and efficient approach to legal help. Sign up to find an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney to handle your criminal case smartly. Our flat fee platform will provide you access to the nationwide network of qualified criminal defense attorneys to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

What should I look for when choosing a lawyer?

The lawyer will be helping you solve your problems, so the first qualification is that you must feel comfortable enough to tell him or her, honestly and completely, all the facts necessary to resolve your problem. No one you listen to and nothing you read will be able to guarantee that a particular lawyer will be the best for you; you must judge that for yourself.

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.

Do legal aid offices have their own lawyers?

Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters. I have been accused of a crime, and I cannot afford a lawyer.

Is there a free legal aid program?

Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice,” or search online. Most legal aid programs have special guidelines for eligibility, often based on where you live, the size of your family, and your income. Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters.

Do lawyers use ads?

In some ways, yes, ads are useful. However, always be careful about believing everything you read and hear — and nowhere is this truer than with advertisements. Newspaper, telephone directory, radio, television, and Internet ads, along with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers who may be appropriate for your legal needs. Some ads also will help you determine a lawyer’s area of expertise. Other ads will quote a fee or price range for handling a specific type of “simple” case. Keep in mind that your case may not have a simple solution. If a lawyer quotes a fee, be certain you know exactly what services and expenses the charge does and does not include.