If a person is facing criminal charges or is arrested, they need help from a criminal defense attorney. A good lawyer can explain a client’s rights at every stage of the criminal justice process, and they can help the person avoid a lengthy jail sentence in some cases. Below is additional information on hiring a criminal attorney.
Why It’s Important to Hire a Criminal Lawyer
Facing charges, whether they’re minor or major, is serious. A person charged with a crime risks severe consequences, such as a lifelong criminal record, jail time, loss of income and loss of personal relationships. While some matters can be dealt with alone, an arrest of any type requires the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer. By hiring an attorney, a defendant can protect his or her rights and achieve the best possible outcome in a criminal case.
What Clients Should Look for in a Defense Attorney
Defense lawyers handle multiple types of criminal matters, such as misdemeanors, felonies, drug cases, white collar crime and others. While looking for a defense attorney, one should focus on those who handle a certain type of case, with an emphasis on the lawyer’s skill level and knowledge.
Finding a Criminal Lawyer
There are multiple ways for clients to find criminal defense attorneys. Referrals from acquaintances are a good place to start, but in many cases, the defendant may not want to make his or her arrest public. Because of this, one may rely on a lawyer directory to find and connect with a local criminal defense attorney.
Questions for the Attorney
Before hiring an attorney, one should feel comfortable in discussing their charges. Below are a few questions to ask during a consultation.
- Does the firm handle similar cases?
- How much of the case does the firm handle?
- How many cases have gone to trial?
- How many cases are plea bargained?
- How are fees calculated?
A defense attorney can reduce criminal charges to a lower level, and they can lessen the punishment while eliminating or reducing jail time. Because there’s so much at stake, it’s important to hire an attorney with skills sufficient to mount a solid defense. Contact the law firm of Vinas & Graham today so they can assist you with your case.
