How to Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges after an arrest, you may be considering hiring a criminal defense attorney to help your case. When looking for an attorney, you may wonder what makes someone qualified to defend your rights and protect your freedom. Ultimately, you may ask “what makes a good criminal defense attorney?”

In this post, we’ve compiled important concepts to consider before hiring a criminal defense attorney. By using these five tips, you can hire the most effective attorney for your particular case.  

Look in Your Area

Finding a criminal defense attorney in your area should be a top priority. A local attorney will have connections and relationships with personnel in the local court system; these connections can help significantly with the status of your criminal case.

Each court system and judge has their own process. Finding an attorney with experience in your particular court system can help expedite your case and prevent any delay. Schedule an in-person consultation, if possible, to meet with a potential lawyer. 

Ensure Pricing is Clear

Any type of professional service should have a clear pricing structure and an attorney’s services are no different. “Private criminal defense attorneys, as opposed to those criminal defense attorneys appointed by the court for indigent defendants, charge either by the hour or by a fixed or set fee,” note criminal defense attorneys at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC, “Those private criminal attorneys that charge by the hour usually charge around $150.00 per hour.”

Prior to retaining an attorney, ensure you understand what you will be billed for, when you will be billed, and how your attorney expects to be paid. Confronting this topic with potential attorneys can also help you understand the current price of legal services in your area.

Ensure the Attorney Specializes in Your Type of Case

Finding an attorney who practices criminal law but focuses on personal injury cases may not be the best fit. Instead, focus on finding an experienced criminal defense attorney who has plenty of experience with your specific type of case. 

Most criminal defense firms handle cases related to DWI/DUI, drug charges, sex crimes, domestic violence, and probation violations. If you have a more specific case, such as a white collar crimes case, look for an attorney with the appropriate experience to help navigate the process. Generally speaking, an attorney who specializes in violent crimes wouldn’t be the best choice to handle an embezzlement case. 

Confirm Credentials

Prior to contacting an attorney, read reviews online. Learn about what other people in your situation have experienced when working with this attorney. Is the attorney respectful? Mindful of time? Does the attorney charge accordingly? Does the attorney show up to court?

While online reviews are helpful to determine a lawyer’s reputation and credentials, it is also a good idea to consult with the governing bar. Every state has a State Bar. Visit the State Bar’s website to see if an attorney has had any disciplinary actions against him or her and/or if his or her license is active. 

Ask for Referrals

Asking for a referral is one of the best ways to find a good criminal defense lawyer! If you know someone who has been involved in a similar situation, ask who he or she used for his or her criminal defense and if the experience was positive. 

Regardless of their answer, you’ll be able to add an attorney to your list to contact or cross one off! 

Picking the Right Criminal Defense Attorney For Your Case

Selecting an attorney to fight for your legal rights and protect your freedom can seem like a daunting task. By using these five tips, you can help select the best attorney for your individual case. Ensure you feel comfortable with your attorney as he or she will be your point of contact for the entirety of your criminal case!