How to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

How to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
By Jerry L Work

When it comes to defending you or a loved one in a criminal proceeding, you cannot take chances with your legal representation. This is an entirely different situation than if you are hiring an attorney to handle some business or other non-criminal matters.

In a criminal trial, your very life or livelihood could be at stake. The advice in this article will help you hire the right criminal defense lawyer.

Possibly the number one thing you need to keep in mind is that you should hire a lawyer experienced with your kind of case. So it goes without saying that he or she needs to be a criminal lawyer. No business attorneys, no divorce lawyers, no personal injury lawyers. You need a specialist in the area of criminal law. But don't stop there!

Does the lawyer have experience with your type of case? Federal crimes are different from state crimes. Felonies are different than misdemeanors. Is it on record that your potential lawyer has handled cases like yours?

After narrowing down your potential list of lawyers to those who have the right experience, the next step is to set up appointments to go talk to them. Every lawyer is different and does things a different way. So the main thing is to make sure it is a lawyer you feel comfortable with and who will not push you to do something you don't feel is right, such as taking a plea.

Another factor in hiring the right attorney may be your own opinion of how winnable your case is. If the evidence against you is very strong, you might be better off to hire an attorney with a history in negotiating favorable deals for his clients. If the evidence is weak, then you may be better off with a monster in the court room.

And don't forget about the money part. While it probably should not be your number one consideration for a criminal lawyer, you should hire a lawyer whose terms you agree with. Some lawyers will only charge a flat fee for certain types of cases, although a complicated criminal case is generally going to involve an hourly rate.

Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer is a big, big decision. Consider all of the above factors, and then go with your gut. Make a decision that you are comfortable with, and then hold on tight. A criminal trial is a wild ride.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_L_Work

How to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense - A Criminal Attorney Can Help You Clear Your Name

Criminal Defense - A Criminal Attorney Can Help You Clear Your Name
By Andrew Stratton

If you are in trouble with the law, you might feel very alone. However, you do not have to be alone at all, especially when you find the best criminal attorney for you. If you are wondering whether you need one at all, consider some of the benefits to having a good lawyer before you decide for sure either way.

If your record was clean before the current allegations, you are probably upset to now have something negative on it. It can sometimes reduce your chances of getting a job or license that is necessary for your career. Overall, it can follow you for life, constantly reminding you of one bad decision or misunderstanding.

In many cases, you will not be able to vote, receive student financial assistance, or buy firearms. These issues could obviously impact some people more than others, but in general, you will never be able to forget about your conviction. It will follow you like a shadow throughout life if you do not do anything to fix the problem.

A criminal attorney could help you clear your record. Though no one can guarantee the outcome of your case, your lawyer will likely do everything he or she can to get your record expunged. This simple act could save you from losing money throughout your life from a tarnished record that takes away job opportunities.

Some crimes require that you spend time locked away, whether this means a few months in jail or years in prison. You might be surprised at how heavy a punishment your conviction carries. A criminal attorney can work with you to lessen or even eliminate time in jail or prison.

Aside from just the daily experience of living life behind bars, you should think about the fact that you would be missing your career, family, and friends. Most people will do anything they can to keep their freedom, which is why they hire a qualified criminal attorney.

You might think that since you are not guilty, it will be easy to prove your innocence on your own. However, even if you did not do what you are being convicted of, there is a chance you could be punished for it. Innocent people are convicted everyday, mostly when they do not have experienced lawyers to defend them. If you want someone on your side throughout the whole ordeal, you will select an experienced criminal attorney to help you clear your name.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Criminal Defense - A Criminal Attorney Can Help You Clear Your Name