Are you in need of a criminal defence attorney?
Because if you pick the wrong one, it may be the worst decision of your life. With over 252,000 criminal defense attorneys in the US, it seems finding the right one is an impossible task.
Problem:
The key is you need to start looking way before you’re in crisis mode.
Waiting until you’re backed into a corner to begin your search is just asking for trouble. By then you’re flustered, stressed, and making life-altering decisions.
But here’s the good news…
You don’t need to get a Ph.D. in law to find a great criminal defence attorney. You simply need to know what to look for.
What you’ll discover:
- How To Find The Best Criminal Defence Attorney
- Red Flags That Signal A Bad Lawyer
- Questions Every Client Should Ask
- How Much You Should Expect To Pay
What Makes A Good Criminal Defence Attorney?
Let’s be honest here…
All criminal defence attorneys are not created equal. There are those that will fight tooth and nail for your case. Others will try to pressure you into a plea deal ASAP and be on to the next paying client.
Question:
How do you weed out the bad lawyers from the ones worth hiring?
In my opinion, the most important factor is experience. If they don’t have relevant experience in your type of case, they’re probably not worth your time.
You want a criminal defence attorney that is familiar with the local courts, the prosecutors, the judges. Familiarity with the intricacies of the legal system in your area is paramount.
However, there is one other factor most people don’t even consider…
Their communication style. If your lawyer can’t break things down in layman’s terms, you’re going to be lost. You need someone who is going to keep you informed and return your phone calls.
Bottom line: You are entrusting this person with your freedom. They better be someone you can have a two-way conversation with.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Did you know that an estimated 90% of federal criminal defendants plead guilty to the charges against them?
In other words, most people never even see the inside of a courtroom.
And there are two reasons for this:
- The prosecution has overwhelming evidence.
- The defendant has subpar legal representation.
Did you know…
Lawyers often push their clients into plea deals because it’s the path of least resistance. Less work for them, more money, quicker resolution of the case.
But is that best for you?
A good criminal defence attorney will fight tooth and nail for you. They’ll help you achieve the best outcome. Sometimes that means taking a deal, but other times it means taking the case to trial.
And that’s the point, they will consider every avenue and be your best advocate in court or at the negotiating table.
This is exactly why Chieppor and Egner’s criminal law practice puts such a heavy emphasis on case preparation. They know that each case deserves a unique focus and thorough defense.
Red Flags To Avoid
Lawyers are people too, and like anyone else, there are some bad apples in the bunch.
When interviewing potential criminal defence attorneys, here are some red flags to be on the lookout for.
You should avoid lawyers who:
- Guarantee outcomes (No responsible lawyer can do this)
- Push for a plea deal in the first meeting
- Take days to return your phone calls
- Can’t explain their plan in simple terms
- Have a history of disciplinary actions with their state bar
- Seem rushed or disorganized
However, the biggest red flag of all…
If they treat you like just another case file on their desk, RUN. You need someone who will make you feel like your case matters.
Questions To Ask
Most people feel like fish out of water when meeting with lawyers. They have no idea what to ask.
Don’t be that guy (or gal).
Asking the right questions of potential criminal defence attorneys is critical. These questions will give you the insight you need to make a decision.
Here are some of the questions you should be asking during interviews:
- How many cases like mine have you handled in the past year?
- What is your success rate for cases similar to mine?
- What are the different possible outcomes for my case?
- How often will you communicate with me?
- How much will this cost and what’s the fee structure?
- Will you personally be working on my case or will someone else?
Pay close attention to how they answer these questions. Good lawyers will be straightforward and honest. They won’t paint you a rosy picture that isn’t there.
Bonus Tip…
Ask for references from past clients. A reputable criminal defence attorney will have no problem providing them.
Understanding Legal Fees
Legal fees are one of the most misunderstood aspects of finding the right criminal defence attorney. It’s important to have a general understanding of how lawyers charge so you don’t get hit with a nasty surprise.
Most lawyers charge in one of two ways:
- Flat fee: You pay a set fee for the entire case. This is most common for cases with a high probability of resolution and predictable outcome. DUI’s are a good example.
- Hourly rate: You pay for actual time spent on your case. Common for complex cases with a high chance of going to trial.
Some lawyers also charge a retainer, basically a down payment they draw from as they work on the case.
However, what most people don’t realize…
Picking the cheapest lawyer isn’t always the best option. A very talented criminal defence attorney that can cut and run might end up costing less than a mediocre lawyer that strings the case out.
And just because a lawyer is expensive doesn’t mean they’re the best choice. Find the sweet spot of experience, skill, and price.
Do Some Homework
Before you hire any criminal defence attorney, it’s a good idea to do a little homework.
Look up their state bar association to see if there are any disciplinary actions on their record. Check out their website and read some of their blog posts or white papers. Do a web search to see if they’ve ever been mentioned in the news.
Most importantly…
Meet with a minimum of three different lawyers. Chances are each will offer a free initial consultation so take advantage of that.
You’ll want to use these initial meetings to gauge:
- How they explain complex legal concepts
- Whether or not they appear to be interested in your case
- How professional their office is
- How their staff treats you
Trust your gut feeling here. If something seems off with one of them, don’t feel obligated to retain their services.
Trial Reality
This is one stat that will surprise you…
The vast majority of criminal cases never see the inside of a courtroom. Why? The prosecution always has the upper hand in plea deals. Conviction rates in federal courts for those that take a case to trial are over 99%.
So why does that matter?
The key to finding the best criminal defence attorney is having someone who knows the system. Someone who knows how to work with the prosecutors, the courts, and even the judges. They know that the deck is stacked against defendants, so they’ll fight tooth and nail for the best outcome, whether that be through negotiations or a trial.
Decision Time
After meeting with several potential criminal defence attorneys and doing your homework, it’s time to make a choice.
Take a look at the following factors when making your decision:
- Experience with cases like yours
- Their communication style and responsiveness
- Fee structure and overall cost
- Your gut reaction to them personally
- Their reputation among their peers in the legal community
Remember, you’re not just hiring a lawyer, you’re hiring YOUR lawyer. Someone who will be your voice in the court of law and fight for your rights and freedoms.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the best criminal defence attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Take your time, do your research, and make sure they’re a good fit.
The stakes are just too high to gamble on the wrong person. With the right attorney on your side, you’ll have the best chance for a favorable outcome.
