What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, one of the first things you should do is begin working on your case’s defense with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Working with the right lawyer can mean the difference between having your charge reduced or dropped or being convicted and facing the penalties for your charge. Advocate for yourself by investing in an lawyer who can serve you well.
But do you know how to determine the right lawyer from the wrong one? Most lawyers offer a free legal consultation, which gives clients the opportunity to discuss their cases with lawyers before deciding whether to work with them. Use this to your advantage by scheduling consultations to “shop around” to find the right criminal defense lawyer for you. During these consultations, keep the following in mind:
Your Attorney Should be Responsive
Lawyers are busy people. But if your lawyer or his or her secretary is too busy to acknowledge your request for a consultation, or fails to return your call or email in a timely manner, you cannot count on him or her to be responsive to you while your case is pending. Work with an lawyer who is responsive to your inquiries – this shows that he or she cares enough about potential clients to make time for them.
Your Attorney Should be Willing to Discuss Payment
One of the issues to discuss during your legal consultation should be your lawyer’s fees. Your lawyer might bill by the hour or have a fixed rate for your type of case. No matter how he or she charges, he or she should be willing to discuss payment with you up front, rather than attempting to sidestep the issue.
Your Attorney Should have Experience with the Type of Case you are Facing
If you are facing an assault charge, work with a defense lawyer in Miami who has experience defending against this type of charge. Ask prospective lawyers about their experience with the type of charge you are facing and for a general sense of the firm’s track record with this type of case.
You Should Feel Comfortable Working with your Attorney
An lawyer who is abrasive, dismissive, or condescending toward you will be much less pleasant to work with than an lawyer with whom you feel you can get along. This ties into the first point about your lawyer being responsive – when somebody is defending you against a criminal charge, you need to feel comfortable with him or her. You are going to have a relationship with this individual for months, even years, and if you do not feel like you can be honest with your lawyer or you feel like you are not valued as a client, it will be a very uncomfortable relationship.
Work with a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer for your case will have a significant impact on its result. Schedule your free legal consultation with Ratzan & Faccidomo, LLC, in Miami today to discuss your case and determine if we are the right firm for you.
