If you've been convicted of a crime, the first thing you need to do is find a criminal defense lawyer with whom you can work to clear your name and prove your innocence. But finding the right lawyer can be extremely difficult. Therefore, you should already know what makes a criminal defense lawyer a good fit, as well as what to avoid when searching for the best one to handle your case.
You already have a lot to worry about if you've been convicted of a crime, so the last thing you need is the stress involved with sorting through a list of lawyers in the area who may or may not work for you. Therefore, we've compiled some tips to help get you started. These will help clarify what you should be looking for as you evaluate your options.
Any Regular Attorney Just Won’t Cut It
When it comes to the specialized field of criminal defense, certain lawyers are great at it and certain ones aren't. Therefore, if you’re looking for someone who really knows how to handle these types of cases, seek out lawyers who specifically state that they have experience in this field. This will ensure that they know how to create a case that will clear your name, while also dealing with all of the claims made by the prosecution that wants to put you in jail.
Make Sure You Get Along
You’ll be spending a lot of time working with your criminal defense attorney, so you definitely want to find someone who is a good fit and who understands you and works with you well. If you find that you’re immediately butting heads and getting into arguments, it’s time to look for someone else. The last thing you need is to have to deal with someone you cannot get along with for the long duration of your trial.
Look for a Lawyer Who Is a Part of Prestigious Organizations
If you find a criminal defense lawyer who is a part of organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), this is a good sign. It means that he or she is really a seasoned professional in the field. You definitely want someone who takes this type of work seriously, as opposed to someone who has only had one or two criminal cases throughout his or her career. Other organizations you can look for include the ABA's Criminal Justice Section or a particular state’s Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Ask for Referrals From Friends and Family
If you were looking for a new hair salon or a babysitter for your children, you would probably consider asking your friends and family for referrals to people with whom they have worked. You can do the same when it comes to finding the best criminal defense lawyer. Though you may feel ashamed having to do this, put your pride aside, especially since you just never know who your friends and family may be connected with. They may very well know the lawyer you need to win your case and set you free.
About the author
Olivia Gallagher is a freelance writer who enjoys giving people tips when they need them most, as in the case of people seeking a good criminal defense attorney. If you want to enter this line of work and help people win defense cases in court, seek out more information on a master’s in criminal justice.
