When you are facing criminal charges, the first thing you should do is seek the help of an experienced attorney for sound legal advice and a fair trial. Finding a trustworthy lawyer is not an easy task, especially if you do not understand the inner workings of the courthouse. Being involved in a legal battle can be a harrowing experience, and the daunting task of finding a trustworthy lawyer only adds to the ordeal. A gloomy attitude may very well spell defeat for you. Until now, the traditional method of hiring a lawyer has relied solely on referrals provided by friends and family. There is no golden rule that you can follow when hiring a lawyer, other than standard rules that have not been established by anyone in particular.

People have been told, time and time again, about the importance of background checks before hiring any service. There is no such reliable source that will give you a complete history of a lawyer’s overall win and loss history. Listed below are some tips to help you through the attorney selection process.

Preselection of potential lawyers

Start the search process by asking your friends and family for referrals. Obtaining the service of lawyers through referrals from trusted friends is always a safe option. Other than that, you can also call your local bar association and ask for references. Several online directories will offer you classified listings of reputable attorneys in your area. Online you can also filter your search based on the attorney’s service specialties.

check the lawyers

Once you’ve outlined your list of potential attorneys, the next step is to run background checks. Verify the lawyer’s level of experience; Discern his work history, such as the number of successful cases under his belt, track record, client testimonials, and more. Make sure the lawyers are licensed to practice within the particular state. It is highly recommended to hire an attorney who concentrates on a specific area of ​​defense. It is a well-known fact that a lawyer who specializes in a certain field will do better than a general lawyer.

Case Types

Criminal defense lawyers will have experience handling a variety of cases, from simple traffic violations and drug charges to felonies and white collar crimes. An attorney will assiduously evaluate the case, the testimony, the evidence provided, and the circumstances of the case, based on which he will create a strong defense mechanism. The attorney’s focus will be on diligently protecting the client’s interests, reducing the criminal charges to a misdemeanor, lessening the severity of the punishment, reducing jail time, and offering sound legal advice.

Attorney fees

The fees charged by different attorneys will vary considerably. An attorney will charge by the hour, a flat fee, or a contingency contract may be required. It is always feasible to hire lawyers who work on a ‘no win, no charge’ basis. Under the contingency contract, the fee will be charged in a predetermined proportion only after the successful completion of the case. Check with several attorneys and zero in on the one that suits your needs.