Choosing and employing a criminal defense lawyer early on in any case is the best way to increase one’s probability of success in any criminal trial. Many of the more prominent people in society already have a battery of lawyers at their behest that spring into action whenever any legal problem arises.
You may not be one of these high-profile people, and you may not have employed an attorney as of yet because a) you do not require them yet or b) they are, of course, too expensive to just have on hand. But even given this you will have to keep in mind that in the case of an impending criminal trial, choosing and hiring a good lawyer early on is your top priority.
The outcome of your entire case may even hinge on whether this single matter alone. If you hire a lawyer early on, there is a chance that, due to his or her timely actions, there will be no need for any case and trial at all. You might just be able to dodge the bullet on time.
Your choice of lawyer can also affect the amount and quality of evidence that is allowable by law to police and investigators. This alone is reason enough to hire good lawyers with a good grasp of such kinds of investigation practices. If you have been watching enough trial TV, you will notice that many trials drag on endlessly only to argue whether evidence is acceptable in the court of law.
This is important because in some case’s decisions all depend on sometimes just one piece of crucial evidence in a case. If you do not have expert advice this early in the ball game then you might have just lost your case right at the outset.
Whether or not you are in a bind to find a good criminal defense lawyer, it would be good to keep in mind these pointers on determining a good criminal defense attorney.
1. Lawyer Specialization
Look at the lawyer’s background. Does he or she have a specialization in criminal defense? Just because one is an attorney does not mean that he or she automatically qualifies as a good criminal defense lawyer.
Lawyers are a lot like doctors. And the legal field is pretty much similar to the medical field. There is a host of specializations and fortes making having one lawyer adept at all close to impossible. And in the same wise that you wouldn’t trust a brain operation on a dermatologist, you should stick to a defense crime lawyer when you need such representation in cases.
Also, look at past case performance to see if the lawyer is fit to represent you fully in your case. If the lawyer has had experience in cases similar to yours and has been able to perform well and respectably, then that would be a good thing to look out for.
2. Try Him for the First 30 Minutes
You will probably decide whether the lawyer is worth it during the first 30 minutes of meeting the person. While the first few minutes of the meeting will not give you an accurate gauge of the lawyer’s services, it will still give you enough information to decide whether the person should represent you at all.
Pay close attention to how the lawyer listens to you during the initial interview. Does the lawyer listen intently paying close attention to details and asking pertinent questions at crucial junctures? Or is the lawyer just blowing by the interview and missing important details?
Look at the lawyer’s body language as well; you will be able to find out whether he or she is interested in the case itself. If the lawyer is showing a little boredom at your case, then it would be safe to consider other lawyers for the practice – unless the particular lawyer is a known genius and pulls through even with such a demeanor.
However, if you want to play safe, then it would be a good bet to find a lawyer the listens intently, is interested in your case, and is not aloof and overbearing in dealing with you.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Do not, at all costs, be afraid to ask questions. Matters such as bills, the scope of the case, payment details, and other matters should not be an esoteric exercise. Everything should be transparent and open.
Your lawyer should not tire of explaining and elucidating legal terms and strategies regarding your case. It is your head, after all, that is on the line. The lawyer should cooperate and interact with you on the case.
Conclusion
Good lawyers are not that rare. However, a good lawyer that fits your case and your personality perfectly is. Make sure you have enough time to choose and evaluate those that will represent you in the court of law.
