Tips for Hiring Your Criminal Defense Lawyer
Going to court unprepared can give you a rude awakening, especially if you are facing criminal charges. You'll need to be sure to put some time and energy into hiring a credible criminal defense lawyer so that you are able to develop a strategy that will help you to either walk with an acquittal or receive a lesser sentence via a plea bargain. When you're going through the process of hiring a professional, highly reputable criminal defense lawyer whose business you trust, consider these guidelines.
Hire a Specialist
The lawyer that you hired to defend you in a criminal case should be as equipped for the job as possible. For best results, hire someone whose specialty is to defend against your particular type of charge. If you are facing a larceny charge, for example, hire someone who deals with financial crimes. Likewise, if you are facing a driving under the influence charge, you should hire a DUI lawyer. These areas of law are very nuanced and have consistent changes that your lawyer needs to be aware of. So your best chance of success is hiring the type of lawyer that specializes in the type of charge you are facing.
Know Whether You're Getting an Individual or a Team
An often-overlooked step to take is to understand exactly who you will be dealing with. In some cases, you are hiring an individual lawyer, but in many other cases, you are hiring a team of lawyers. It is best to hire a law firm with a solid team so they can put their heads together for the best defense. This way, you get more attention on your needs and a better chance of success.
Verify Board Certifications
Checking on a lawyer's board certification first will save you a lot of trouble when it comes to finding a capable attorney. Each state has a recognized board and you should only hire a lawyer who is a member. This way, you know you're getting the highest quality attorney to represent you with your case.
Get All Financial Obligations in Writing
To avoid getting hit with financial charges that you were not aware of, make sure that all facets of your case are hammered out in a contract. By knowing what legal fees you are on the hook for, you'll be able to plan accordingly, whether that means setting aside some extra money or getting put on a payment plan. You want to hire the best lawyer possible, so make sure that you don't let any financial issues trip you up.
Keep this information in mind and use it to get the best defense for your criminal charges. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer like Thomas A Corletta for more advice and information.