Hiring a Criminal Lawyer - There are a number of situations in life where you have to decide if you hire a lawyer. For example, if you are buying a home or have trouble paying your bills, hiring a lawyer may not be a necessity, but it's still a good idea anyway. However, if you have been accused of driving under the influence, aggression or some other crime, hiring a criminal lawyer is mandatory. You will want to make sure that your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process.
But where does it begin when you expect to hire a qualified criminal lawyer? One of the best ways to find an effective lawyer is to consult your family and friends. There is nothing better than a personal recommendation, especially one that comes from someone close to you. However, there are times when it may be difficult to obtain a personal reference. In these situations, you may consider consulting the local bar association or an Internet site such as lawyer.com. The Internet, in fact, can provide a great deal of information on individual lawyers. For example, you can learn more about a lawyer's experience level in criminal law, biographical information, whether the lawyer is in regular status with the bar and other relevant facts. In addition, the online archives of your local newspaper may include articles on cases handled by a particular lawyer. You will want to hire a lawyer with a lot of experience in the area of criminal law involved in your case, whether for traffic violations, drug offenses or white collar crimes.
The next step is to contact the lawyer's office. If a lawyer can not find you in the short term, do not exclude the lawyer. Effective attorneys are quite busy, so if a lawyer has little time, this can be a positive sign. Pay close attention to how the lawyer's team handles your call. The staff should be courteous and willing to answer all your questions.
You should take into account the fact that criminal defense lawyers tend to charge you by the hour. Alternatively, they may charge a fixed fee in advance. In general, rules of professional conduct prevent a lawyer from charging a contingency fee for a criminal case. As legal fees may vary, you may want to take part in some comparison shopping. However, keep in mind that the best lawyers tend to charge more for their services. Once your freedom and reputation are at stake, you should invest in the best lawyer you can afford.
Since criminal cases are often settled through confession agreements with the district attorney's office, it may be important for a criminal lawyer to be in good standing with D.A. Certainly, good relationships between the two can only improve your case. Therefore, you will want a lawyer who has fairly regular contact with the prosecutor in the county where your case resides. In addition, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer affiliated with a group such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. An association of this kind shows that your lawyer wants to follow the new developments in the area of criminal law.
Before hiring a criminal lawyer, be sure to ask for referrals. You will want to know how clients see the lawyer's experience. You should also get a copy of the law firm brochure so that you have a clear understanding of the equipment you are dealing with. It is also vital that you obtain a copy of the attorney's withholding agreement so you are aware of the initial costs involved in obtaining legal representation.
In the end, you'll want to select a lawyer you're comfortable with, someone who really understands your case and can work well for you. You will find that an effective criminal lawyer is well worth your fee.