Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
When facing a criminal court trial, you will most likely want to have a attorney to represent you in order to have the best possible outcome at your trial. Choosing the right attorney is crucial so to choose the best possible attorney for your specific case will take a bit of doing on your part. You will need to do some research in order to get the best attorney for your money. If you don't think you will be able to afford one you may qualify for a public attorney; find out information about that at you local Court.
You need a defense attorney that is a professional and has the qualifications and skills needed to defend a case like yours.
Do not hire one before you spend a little time doing the proper research to determine if they are what your looking for.
This is a list of tips and guidelines you can follow when choosing the right lawyer.
* Depending on your area attorneys make anywhere from $100-$300 per hour, with a retainer from $1500 for a misdemeanor to a miinimum of. $5000 for a felony.
. * If your finances aren't enough to hire A professional attorney, then you can always check to see if you qualify for a public attorney, which you are entitled to as stated by the 6th amendment, which states that citizens have . the right to counsel in criminal proceedings. You can apply through the '~ court via pauper's affidavit and financial statement.
2. Create a list of all the defense lawyers in your area
* Go to the bar association for a roster of attorneys in your area.
* Get a list of attorneys from your phone book.
* Search online for attorneys
3. Narrow and refine list
* Read attorney reviews, reputation, and cost.
* Call attorneys office and get their hourly rate and ask if they're accepting new clients.
4. Research possible complaints about attorneys.
(Complaints are handled by the Disciplinary Authority for each state.)
* Check with your states Disciplinary Action for attiorneys
* You can do a online search for disciplinary records on attorneys your considering.
(If you find a record be sure to read it thoroughly because criminal defense attorneys tend to get disgruntled clients who for one reason or another aren't happy with some portion of their case and take it out on the attorney.)
5. Evaluate Attorney and their experience
* Get their education level, background, and all areas of practice.
* Ask about their court experience in the county where you are charged.
* If charged with a felony, it is very important to ask about trial experience:
- Number of trials she has conducted similar to yours and their outcomes.
* Search online for any reviews or other information that may help you with an overall evaluation for each attorney you may be consIdering.
* Observe the prospective attorney in court.
6. Make Final Selection ( based on everything you've gathered)
* Take advantage of free consultation that most attorneys offer. Conduct. your own interview and ask them any questions you may have concerning your case or their credibility as a competent attorney.
* Be sure attorney agrees to communicate with you at least once a month and once during week prior to court appearance.
* Review retainer agreement.
* Ask for an original signed copy of your retainer agreement.
* Get anything else in writing you feel is important.
If the time before your court appearance is too short to carryout this out then I would suggest doing as much research as you possibly can online. This isn't something you want to leave to chance.
You need a defense attorney that is a professional and has the qualifications and skills needed to defend a case like yours.
Do not hire one before you spend a little time doing the proper research to determine if they are what your looking for.
This is a list of tips and guidelines you can follow when choosing the right lawyer.
- Determine your financial situation Depending on the seriousness of your crime. You may need to cash in some 401k, sell some expensive jewelry or any other means for cash you may have. This one will be based on the charges against you and the possible time you may have to serve.
* Depending on your area attorneys make anywhere from $100-$300 per hour, with a retainer from $1500 for a misdemeanor to a miinimum of. $5000 for a felony.
. * If your finances aren't enough to hire A professional attorney, then you can always check to see if you qualify for a public attorney, which you are entitled to as stated by the 6th amendment, which states that citizens have . the right to counsel in criminal proceedings. You can apply through the '~ court via pauper's affidavit and financial statement.
2. Create a list of all the defense lawyers in your area
* Go to the bar association for a roster of attorneys in your area.
* Get a list of attorneys from your phone book.
* Search online for attorneys
3. Narrow and refine list
* Read attorney reviews, reputation, and cost.
* Call attorneys office and get their hourly rate and ask if they're accepting new clients.
4. Research possible complaints about attorneys.
(Complaints are handled by the Disciplinary Authority for each state.)
* Check with your states Disciplinary Action for attiorneys
* You can do a online search for disciplinary records on attorneys your considering.
(If you find a record be sure to read it thoroughly because criminal defense attorneys tend to get disgruntled clients who for one reason or another aren't happy with some portion of their case and take it out on the attorney.)
5. Evaluate Attorney and their experience
* Get their education level, background, and all areas of practice.
* Ask about their court experience in the county where you are charged.
* If charged with a felony, it is very important to ask about trial experience:
- Number of trials she has conducted similar to yours and their outcomes.
* Search online for any reviews or other information that may help you with an overall evaluation for each attorney you may be consIdering.
* Observe the prospective attorney in court.
6. Make Final Selection ( based on everything you've gathered)
* Take advantage of free consultation that most attorneys offer. Conduct. your own interview and ask them any questions you may have concerning your case or their credibility as a competent attorney.
* Be sure attorney agrees to communicate with you at least once a month and once during week prior to court appearance.
* Review retainer agreement.
* Ask for an original signed copy of your retainer agreement.
* Get anything else in writing you feel is important.
If the time before your court appearance is too short to carryout this out then I would suggest doing as much research as you possibly can online. This isn't something you want to leave to chance.