A lot of people hope and even expect that they’ll live their lives without ever needing to contact a lawyer and request legal counsel or defense. However, life can be unpredictable, and you never know when unexpected situations may arise, even if you’re someone who regularly follows the law and abides by the rules.
You could find yourself involved in one of the six million auto accidents that occur on American roads each year, for example, and get accused by the other driver of being responsible, or you might make a mistake that leads to a DUI or other kinds of criminal charges associated with drug crimes, automotive crimes, white-collar crimes, etc.
When this happens, it’s vital to find the right lawyer to defend you. As Arizona law specialists DM Cantor explain, “Whether the charges you are facing are for theft, DUI, assault or other allegations, finding the best criminal lawyer in Arizona for your defense can mean the difference between the best possible outcome for your situation or finding yourself fighting the system for far longer than you deserve.”
It’s clear to see from this quote that having a good legal team by your side is of the essence when it comes to dealing with criminal charges. The best lawyers can help to assuage your fears, calm your worries, build up your defenses, and negotiate the best possible outcomes for your case. Here are some top tips to help you find them.
Read Through Reviews and Testimonials from Former Clients
It’s very common nowadays for people to read reviews online for certain products or services before actually buying them. If you want to buy a new smartphone, for example, you might consult some user reviews online to see what other users think of it before making your decision, and that same logic can be used when looking for legal representation too.
Many clients of lawyers will write reviews explaining how the process went, what the lawyer was like to work with if they have any complaints or suggestions, and so on. These reviews can be an invaluable source of information when it comes to learning more about firms and making informed decisions about which one you want to work with.
Find Someone You Really Want to Work with
If you’re facing criminal defense charges, it’s highly likely that you might be experiencing a lot of stress, worry, doubt, and other difficult emotions. You might find yourself struggling to sleep or waking up with lots of questions about your case, and it’s important that your lawyer is someone you can turn to and actually get answers from.
This is why it’s important to get to know lawyers before hiring them and trying to find someone who you feel comfortable speaking to and working with. Some lawyers can be quite aloof and even stand-offish in their approach, which isn’t particularly comforting, but the best lawyers are very approachable, communicative, friendly, and easy to talk to. They’ll be able to help you stay calm as the case unfolds.
Try to Find the Firms with a Lot of Experience and Proven Success
When it comes to looking for legal representation, experience is one of the most important factors for you to focus on. There are some great young lawyers out there too, but in this line of work, experience is very valuable. Lawyers tend to get better as they gain experience in handling more cases and developing a stronger understanding of the legal system.
It’s recommended, therefore, to try and focus on finding legal firms with a lot of experience, as well as those that have got great track records of success. You can consult with lawyers and actually ask about how much experience they’ve got, how many cases they’ve won, and how many cases like yours they’ve handled in the past in order to learn more and get the information you need to make the right choice.
Look for Specialists and Highly-Rated Professionals
As well as searching for the most experienced and successful lawyers, it’s also wise to try and find those who are considered to be true specialists in their fields. There are a lot of different fields of law, from employment law to criminal law, and when we look deeper, there are many more subsets and smaller categories to take into account too.
In criminal law, for example, there are many different subsets like a sex crime, drug crime, white-collar crime, and so on. Think about what sort of case you’re dealing with and try to find a lawyer who is a true expert in that field. It also helps to look if they’ve won any awards, appeared in our top lists from trusted independent organizations like Martindale-Hubbell, and see how other professionals regard and respect them.
Don’t Ignore the Importance of Consultations
Another absolutely essential tip to follow when it comes to finding a criminal defense lawyer is to make sure you’re using consultations and never simply hiring a lawyer without sitting down and speaking with them beforehand. All the best firms offer free consultations and will be willing to chat with you and answer your questions before taking on your case or accepting any kind of payment.
Consultations are priceless in the legal world. They essentially put you in the driver’s seat, letting you ask questions and find out whatever you want to know about a firm before deciding if you’d like to work with them. Prepare a list of questions for each consultation you go to, and make sure to pay close attention to the answers you get. If a lawyer is evasive or won’t answer certain questions, this is a big red flag.
Final Word
If it’s your first time hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you might feel a little daunted by the process, but remember that the power is in your hands and it’s up to you to choose which firm you’d like to work with. Keep these tips in mind and take your time to find a lawyer you can rely on.
