How to Hire a Defense Lawyer

If you have suffered a loss of any kind or a personal injury then you may need the services of a defense lawyer. Here’s how to hire one and what you need to look for before hiring said lawyer.  

Sad though this may be, the personal lawsuit is a common fact of life in the USA. Being charged with a crime is probably one of the most stressful things that can happen to an individual.  A person facing criminal charges risks severe penalties, including even jail, and  having a criminal record can seriously affect your future relationships and job prospects.

If a lawsuit is brought against you it is important that you get the best possible representation you can afford. Going to court is not to be taken lightly and, although you do have the right to defend yourself, it is much wiser for the average citizen to turn to a professional to help them through this ordeal.

Why you need a Defense Lawyer

Remember that the police are well trained to get information they need to make a criminal case against you. A criminal defense lawyer will act as your insulation from the police and will protect your rights and will prevent you from saying things that could incriminate you. They will use their expert knowledge and experience of criminal law to protect you from criminal charges.

A good criminal defense lawyer may help you achieve some or all of the following:

1. Reduce your criminal charge to a lesser offense (for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor)
2. Lessen the severity of the punishment for the crime
3. Reduce or eliminate jail time (via probation or fines)
4. Help you develop a sound defense strategy.

What to Look for in a Defense Lawyer

Experience: There are many different kinds of criminal charges including felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, white collar crimes etc., so it is important that you chose a lawyer who has experience in your particular charge. Don’t be afraid to ask pertinent questions such as how many jury trial they have litigated and how much of the criminal case they will actually handle. Often the length of time a lawyer has been practicing is less important than the type of crime he is experienced in handling and, of course, his acquittal rate.

Fees: It’s no secret that hiring a lawyer is expensive, so it is important to know how they intent to charge for their services. Most criminal defense attorneys bill their time either hourly, or by a flat fee arrangement.  A retainer fee for most felony cases may start around $5,000 but can be as high as $25,000 for sexual assault cases or homicide. Some attorneys may have a payment plan to help you handle these charges.

Don’t panic if you feel you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may be able to receive a state or government-appointed attorney to representation you in your case. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution grants those facing criminal charges the right to counsel if they cannot afford to hire a private attorney.

Qualifications & Knowledge: It’s important that the attorney you hire has the necessary skill level needed to defend the case. You may need someone familiar with crime scene. investigations, witness, victim and police interviewing, and with extensive knowledge of the use of polygraphs, sketches, photographs, and video evidence.

Because laws differ from state to state make sure the lawyer you chose has experience with the state and local rules of court. Don’t hesitate to check their qualifications and as questions regarding their skill levels in dealing with your particular charge.

At the very least, the lawyer you chose should belong to the County and State Bar Associations. If he belongs to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), his State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, or to the ABA’s Criminal Justice Section this is even better.

How to Find a Defense Lawyer

Referrals – If your county is served by a public defender’s office, sometimes a defender’s office will be willing to suggest a competent  defense lawyer. A friend or family member may have used a defense lawyer, but bear in mind that his case could have been very different to yours.

Professional Organizations: Each state has organizations of criminal defense lawyers. Some of those organizations offer referral services.

Directories: There are a number of online directories which include criminal defense lawyers, including Lawyers.com and FindLaw.

From Lawyer Salinas