If you or anyone you know is looking to hire an attorney for a pending criminal case in Houston, it may be to your benefit to hire a Houston criminal defense attorney. The reasons for this are practical, economic, and strategic.
Knowing Judges And Prosecutors
Being a good attorney comprises many things; one of these things includes knowing local judges and prosecutors. If you have a criminal case pending in Houston, finding a Houston criminal defense attorney who knows the local judges and the prosecutors trying the case is significant.
Knowing the judge means that you know the judge’s likes and dislikes. For example, a local attorney will know how a judge likes to conduct his trials, the judge’s reputation regarding different cases, and more.
Similarly, knowing the prosecutor and having a working relationship with this attorney can significantly affect how your case is tried and how plea deals are negotiated.
Being Familiar With Local Norms
One factor not taught in law school is the importance of knowing local norms. These norms do not include local laws or regulations per se. Instead, they indicate how certain courts or offices operate. For example, being familiar with and having a good working relationship with a judge’s clerk can be very helpful for a case and any filings.
Having a local attorney gives you an advantage. If you are appearing before a judge in criminal court, you want your case presented in the best possible way. Each judge and court has specific unwritten rules. Only a local attorney will know what the various rules and norms for each court are.
Convenience And Proximity
If you live in Houston, hiring a local attorney to represent you in your criminal case is more than ideal. Obtaining counsel from out of town can be costly both for your pocket as well as your case. Having local representation will save you money. You will not have to pay additional expenses an out-of-town lawyer will charge to come in for meetings, preparation, and even trial.
In addition to saving money, it is also convenient. If you have a case in Houston and your attorney’s office is also in Houston, your attorney is ready for all scheduled and impromptu happenings. Meeting with your attorney face to face is always better and will prove beneficial to your case.
The Bottom Line Of Hiring A Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have a criminal case pending in Houston, it is to your advantage to hire a Houston criminal defense attorney. Choosing a local attorney will not only save you money but will be beneficial to your case overall.
Going the local route will ensure that you have quicker and better access to your attorney and have an attorney who knows the legal landscape. Furthermore, you will have a better chance that your attorney will know your judge and the prosecutor, which will help your case and any plea deal that may occur.
Vinas & Graham, PLLC, is a local Houston-based firm that can help you with your case. With over 30 years of experience in the Houston area and being former Felony Chief Prosecutors, they have the knowledge and expertise to represent you in any criminal matter. Not only are they local, but they also have the experience and understanding from both sides of the legal system. Contact Vinas & Graham today for a consultation, and be sure to follow us on Facebook for more Houston criminal defense matters.