There is never a better time to hire a criminal defense attorney than when you (or a loved one) face a criminal charge. A reasonable defense attorney will not only defend you in court but also understand the intricacies of criminal law and how best to represent you. They can make the difference between you serving a jail term for a minor offence (or something you didn’t do) and getting a fair trial or even walking free.
1. Look For A Responsive Attorney
The prosecutor will be looking to have you put behind bars within the first swing. With that in mind, you need to find a defense attorney ready to take and work on your case right away. They should be able to avail themselves and arrange a meeting within 24 hours after contacting them. Their legal team should be responsive to your emails and phone calls. The last thing you want is to have a lawyer held up by another case or a non-responsive one during your hour of need.
2. Their Specialty Should Be Criminal Law
There is a fine line between a general lawyer and those who practice criminal law. Lawyers specialising in criminal law are better placed to represent and defend you in a court of law. Frizwoods is a Maryland criminal defense lawyer who specialises in criminal law. They suggest that by specialising in criminal law, these lawyers understand their way around the court all too well and know exactly what to say, do, or ask to prove your innocence or have the case dropped. Look for an attorney with at least three years of active experience as a criminal defense attorney.
3. They Should Have Experience In Local Courts
You don’t just need an attorney specialising in criminal defense, but one with a good understanding and experience in the local courts. As long as your lawyer knows the local courts well, then chances are they know the presiding judge or jury, which can be advantageous at some point. These lawyers build not only a reputation but also relationships and connections, making it easier to handle such cases. An experienced lawyer knows how the local courts operate and what strategy to use to win the case on the jury or judge.
4. Always Look For A Reputable Lawyer
You want someone reputable by your side, not anyone that the opposing counsel can manipulate. Check the lawyer’s reputation and what other people say about them before making contact or hiring them. Luckily you can get most of this information online with just a few clicks. The State Bar makes it possible for anyone to check a lawyer’s status to see if they have had any formal discipline record. This would be a great place to start.
5. Ask For Referrals
Your friends and family can also help you find a good criminal defense attorney. If anyone within your circle has used one, they might willingly refer you to the attorney and even give you insights on what to expect. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to hire an attorney just because a friend referred you to them. If you cannot get referrals from your friends, your estate agents or business lawyers might help. Most real estate agencies will have a criminal defense attorney in their contact list or refer you to someone they know.
6. A Best Attorney Should Be Familiar With The Criminal Justice System
A best criminal defense attorney should know and understand the basics of ordinary crimes and outline the possible charges and penalties you might be facing from the top of their heads. In addition to this, they know precisely the right questions to ask when building the case and collecting evidence that can help your case. Proper understanding of the complex criminal justice system and related laws makes one better placed at defending you in court.
