If you are facing criminal charges, you need to prioritize hiring a criminal defense lawyer. A great attorney can be the difference between winning your case and ending up in jail or with a criminal record.
If you don’t have any experience hiring a lawyer, it can be a confusing process. There are a lot of criminal defense lawyers out there, but not all are equal. You may not know where to start. Below, you will find a few tips on choosing the best criminal defense lawyer for your case.
Make the Most of Your Free Consultation
Many criminal defense lawyers offer a free initial consultation, which is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the prospective attorney.
You should always go into the consultation prepared to ask questions. Take the time to write a list and ensure you don’t forget anything.
Ask them about:
- Their experience
- The fee and what is included in it
- The charges and penalties
- Potential defenses
- How often they go to trial
- Past case outcomes
- Where they practice most frequently
- Their communication style
Don’t be afraid to take notes, and don’t feel pressured to make a decision immediately after the meeting. It is smart to meet with multiple lawyers to make sure you find the right match. Talking with multiple lawyers will help you better understand what you are looking for.
Look for Experience Handling Similar Cases
Criminal law is a broad category of law. There are many types of criminal cases. Some criminal defense lawyers specialize in one type of case, such as DUIs or drug crimes. You should try to find an attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours.
Of course, no two cases are the same. However, a lawyer who has defended people against similar charges will understand the strongest defenses. They will know the prosecution’s tricks and what does and does not work in the courtroom.
Ask How Often They Go to Trial
Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. This is a fact of criminal court. However, you want to hire a lawyer who frequently goes to trial for several reasons.
First, if you have a strong defense and your case goes to trial, you need an attorney with strong trial advocacy skills. You want someone who can connect with the jury and persuade them to find you not guilty. Lawyers who don’t have trial experience aren’t going to be effective in the courtroom.
Second, prosecutors know the lawyers who aren’t afraid to go to trial. They tend to offer better plea deals to these lawyers because they know that they are formidable in the courtroom. Even if you intend to accept a plea deal, you are more likely to improve your chances of a better offer with a lawyer who commands respect in the courtroom.
Discuss Fees Up Front
There are a few common fee structures for criminal defense lawyers. Some have a retainer, an hourly fee, or even a flat fee. It’s common for defense attorneys to charge a particular fee for representation up until a certain point, such as the preliminary hearing. If the case progresses, they may change their fee structure for the trial.
You need to understand how your attorney will bill you and what the fee includes. It’s better to hire a lawyer you can afford than to run out of money or have to find a new lawyer halfway through your case. If an attorney is cagey about their fees, they probably aren’t the best lawyer for your case.
Look at Client Reviews
Chances are, you can find client reviews of your prospective lawyer on the internet. Many websites review attorneys, including Google, Yelp, and Avvo. An experienced lawyer may even include client reviews and testimonials on their website.
You should carefully read the reviews because they can give you more information about the attorney. While it’s normal for lawyers to have occasional bad reviews, a pattern of low reviews is a red flag. If they mention poor communication or pressuring a client to take a plea, these are signs that you might want to choose a different lawyer.
On the other hand, clients who have positive outcomes in their cases or feel heard and supported by their lawyer are signs of a great attorney.
Contact Our Sandusky Criminal Defense Attorneys to Schedule an Initial Consultation
If you are looking for an experienced Sandusky criminal defense lawyer, call Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers at (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free consultation so that you can learn more about our team and our work. Arranging a free consultation is a great opportunity to connect with a prospective lawyer in a low-pressure environment.