In most misdemeanor cases, more than 80% of people accused of crimes go with inadequate or no defense attorney.
Estimates suggest they lose their cases more than half of the time. Those who hire the best criminal defense attorney available are likely to win almost 90% of the time.
Navigating the complexity of the law and the criminal justice system alone is like going to a foreign country without a map. While you may have some loose idea of how to get around, without knowing the language or the attitude you need, you are likely to lose. Having an attorney by your side is like having a guide to tell you where to go and what to do.
If you or someone you know is looking for a lawyer, they might not know what to look for. Here are three traits that the best criminal defense attorney is sure to have.
1. Relevant Experience
Finding an attorney who went to a good school is easy. Finding one who has been out fighting cases like yours is a little bit harder. Most attorneys will try to find the easiest cases for the quickest turnaround and the fattest paycheck.
When navigating the legal world, you should look for someone who doesn’t just have years of experience, but one who knows how to defend your case. An attorney who has seen a case like yours knows how to win. They’ll be able to strategize so that you get the best possible result.
Find someone with relevant experience to see a ruling in your favor.
2. Good Reviews
The best criminal defense attorney will have testimonials ready to show you. They’ll be on their website or on any printed or digital materials they send you. Read these carefully and try to see between the lines.
Go beyond what they send you and look through local business and legal directories. Many lawyers are rated on Yelp, Google, or Avvo.
On these sites, you can read important information regarding the lawyer you’re thinking about hiring, including ours:
3. Comfortable Rapport
Make sure you feel comfortable speaking to your lawyer. In all likelihood, you’ll be spending lots of time together over the next few months. You need to feel like you can tell them anything.
If you’re being accused of possession but have a past that prosecutors could bring up, you need to be open about that.
Anything that you tell your lawyer is protected under the law and their license. If they want to win your case and keep you as a client, they need to listen to you and show they have a sincere commitment to your issues.
The Best Criminal Defense Attorney Is All Ears
If your attorney keeps you waiting around or doesn’t answer your calls, they’re not the one for you.
A good attorney stays in touch, keeps communication lines open and tries to be clear with you about everything.
If you’re looking to hire an attorney soon, contact us for more tips on how to make sure you end up with a perfect fit.
