Criminal cases can cause a number of life-long consequences that can significantly impact your ability to carry out a ‘normal’ life. From having the crime on your criminal record to steep fines or jail time, the criminal justice system can be daunting. However, having the experience of a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side can make the world of a difference. It is important to note that not all criminal defense lawyers may be the right fit for you, and there are a number of different factors that you should take into consideration when choosing one. Here are some guiding principles to keep in mind while choosing a criminal defense lawyer for your case.
Location
The first factor that you should take into account when choosing a criminal defense lawyer is location. If you were charged with a crime in the state of Indiana, it might not make sense for you to hire a criminal defense lawyer based out of California. Choosing a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with the local courts, judges, prosecutors, laws, and legal procedures in your specific state or county is absolutely crucial.
Years of Experience
The next thing you should take into consideration is how many years of experience the criminal defense lawyer has. The importance of experience can not be overstated when choosing a lawyer. A seasoned team, such as the criminal defense lawyers at Banks & Brower who have over 80 years of combined experience, will have a wealth of knowledge about how to approach your case, what strategies are most effective, and how to navigate any obstacles you may encounter along the way.
Expertise
While having a lawyer with years of experience is an advantage, ensuring that they are well-versed and knowledgeable about your specific type of case is even more crucial. For example, if you hire a criminal defense lawyer for your drug crime case but it turns out they only have experience working with domestic violence cases, this will put you at a disadvantage. You will want to look for a criminal defense lawyer who has expertise in your specific type of crime, such as possession of a controlled substance in the 1st offence in Nebraska, and a record of success in handling similar cases.
Online Reviews
Online reviews are another important factor that you should take into consideration when hiring a lawyer. These reviews will give you insight into how satisfied or dissatisfied previous clients have been with the lawyer, and may even provide you with other relevant information such as the firm’s timeliness and quality of communication. When looking at these reviews, it is important to take into account how many reviews the lawyer has. A lawyer with 500 reviews and a 4.9/5.0 rating holds much more weight and credibility than a lawyer with 20 reviews and a 5.0/5.0 rating.
Legal Fees
One last factor to consider when hiring a criminal defense lawyer for your case is to look at the lawyer’s legal fees. While a great majority of lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that the lawyer will receive a percentage of the money you receive if you win your case, other lawyers may operate on a fixed or hourly fee basis. Ensure that the lawyer you choose is transparent about their pricing.
