subject: Retain Only The Best Criminal Attorney [print this page] If you have recently been accused of a crime, you may be very nervous, scared, and even angry. Some courts have the highest conviction rates in the country when it comes to DUIs and other serious crimes, so it's certainly not something to ignore in hopes that it will go away.
The courts in different states vary, depending on what you are charged with. While the cities runs their own court for municipal and traffic charges, the more serious offenses will be heard in the county courts. These offenses include felonies, such as murder, burglary, armed robbery, and rape. While each court follows specific guidelines, each judge will have their own preference as to how the court is run, at what times, and what they expect from the attorneys who stand before them.
When you start looking for a criminal attorney, you should consider the following three tips to make sure you're getting one of the best.
#1 Stick with an Experienced Lawyer
While you may be tempted to retain the cheapest lawyer, it's not always the best deal. Experience speaks volumes inside a courtroom. You don't want a novice up there defending your freedom. It's time to retain the best lawyer you can afford to make sure you stand a good chance of staying out of jail.
#2 Ask Your Friends and Family for Recommendations
If someone you know faced a serious criminal charge, ask which lawyer they used and if they were satisfied with their services. Word of mouth is often the best advertisement and a stamp of approval from one of your friends or family members may be the best advice you get.
#3 Do Your Research Before You Write Out that Check
You should check with Bar Association in the state to be sure there are no unresolved complaints with the lawyer you are considering. You can also search online for reviews that may shed some more light onto a specific lawyer's skills. You want to be sure the law professional has spent many hours in the courts. They should be familiar with what the judges expect in their courtrooms, as well as the intricacies found in these courts.
The above tips will help you find the right lawyer for your case. Just because someone passed the bar exam does not mean they will be a great lawyer. Your freedom is riding on the job the lawyer will do. Don't risk it with the wrong choice.
