Yes, it’s true, there are manifold criminal defense attorneys out there, but choosing the right one can definitely have a positive impact in your case. But don’t rush into any decisions! Firstly, check out this article to understand what this law professional does and the key elements he or she must have.
What do criminal defense attorneys do?
A criminal defense attorney represents people and organizations accused of committing a crime. It’s a fundamental role in the U.S justice system, since he or she advocates for the defendant, and every person accused of a crime has the right to a defense, according to the Miranda Rights (‘You have the right to an attorney’).
Pre-trial
A criminal defense lawyer has various tasks before trial, which vary depending on the client’s situation. Besides doing research, looking for witnesses and building a defense, criminal lawyers can negotiate your bail or convince the authorities to drop charges.
During trial
Criminal defense attorneys can help with jury selection to favour you. Plus, during trial, they’re constantly analyzing witnesses’ responses and the plaintiff’s questions. If it’s necessary, they’ll recommend a new defense strategy.
Where to find criminal defense attorneys
Your main lawyer option should probably be recommended by someone you trust, but if nothing comes up or the lawyer’s credentials or previous cases don’t sound too uplifting, there are other options.
There are various websites to search for law professionals. One of the most popular ones is LegalMatch, where you have to select the issues pertaining your case and provide your ZIP code to get an array of lawyers suitable for your case that live near your area. You can also go for Avvo, another legal professional website to filter according to your case and state and check the lawyers’ profiles.
Selecting your criminal defense attorney
You may have the common misconception that your candidate lawyer will charge you money from the head start, but that’s not always the case. Most attorneys let you have a free initial consultation where you can ask important questions that may be helpful to determine whether that lawyer is the right one.
Here are some useful questions to ask during the initial consultation:
- What’s your practice area?
- Do you have experience in my court system?
- What’s the fee and with what frequency will I receive invoices?
Should I hire a DUI attorney?
Driving under the influence (DUI) constitutes a crime because you’re risking not only your life but that of other drivers and pedestrians. In this case, it may be smart to hire an attorney who’s specialized in DUI offences. However, if it’s your first DUI and there weren’t aggravating circumstances, it might be smarter to plead guilty. But don’t go so fast! First take a few minutes to find out the penalties and fines for DUI in your state.
In such an overwhelming situation, taking the right steps is fundamental, so look for the attorney that suits your requirements and needs, and don’t forget to ask all the questions that come to your mind.