7 Qualities to Look for in a Successful Criminal Defense Lawyer

Look for a criminal defense lawyer with experience in the crime you are charged with.
Find a lawyer who is comfortable going to trial.
Select a lawyer who has a good working relationship with the prosecutor.
Choose a lawyer who gives you straight answers and does not make promises he or she cannot keep.
Ask around for recommendations from people you trust.

When you are charged with a serious crime, you need to be in contact with an attorney who specializes in criminal defense. You will have the most significant outcome possible when you have the best representation possible.

As you face serious charges, you will experience many emotions, such as depression, anxiety, and fear. With these emotions, you will be glad to have an experienced criminal defense attorney. When searching for a criminal defense lawyer, ensure they have the following seven qualities.

1. Fully Qualified and Licensed

Your criminal defense lawyer needs to be fully qualified and licensed. This will require law school and a specialization in criminal defense. This background will allow them to provide expert representation when conducting research and procedures and write a great defense. They also need to be very familiar with criminal processes. Following law school, they need to have also obtained their license to practice law. Ask what law school they attended, their specialties, and what makes them an expert.

2. They Have Years of Experience

Now that you know that your lawyer has the right qualifications, they need to have a good amount of experience with your type of criminal case. You can get an idea of their experience by visiting their site to ensure they have the experience your type of case may need. If anything, they should have criminal defense experience.

You should also be able to ask them about outcomes they had in the past, what the circumstances were, and any strategy they tried.

3. They Have Recommendations

When you search for an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you will have no problem finding clients who have had them represent them. You should call the previous clients to see what they have to say about the lawyer.

4. Upfront Concerning Their Fees

Your criminal defense attorney needs to be able to be upfront about the fees they charge. While many charges hourly, they may also accept a fixed fee. The fee they charge should also center around the experience the attorney has and their success rate as they come up with ideas to win yours.

With that in mind, you do not want to go with the cheapest attorney. You need to invest in your defense no matter how much it costs.

5. They Have Connections

Having a legal system centered around city, county, and state regulations mean your attorney needs to be familiar with these. They also should be on good terms with local prosecutors, fellow defense attorneys, and judges by remaining involved with the community. You will know that your attorney is perfect when they know who to ask when they need guidance.

6. Expert Negotiation Abilities

Having expert negotiation abilities is a key skill your criminal defense attorney needs to have. With many things not being as easy as thought, it is essential to have a representative who can negotiate so your case can still have a positive outcome.

7. They are a Communicator

If you cannot communicate in legal terms and have a clear understanding of them, then your attorney will need to be able to explain everything in layman’s terms so that everything is fully understood. They should also be able to listen and respond when you ask questions.

FAQs

How do I know if a criminal defense lawyer is good?

The best way to know if a criminal defense lawyer is good is to ask around for recommendations and look at their experience and reviews. You should also feel confident when communicating with them.