If you are accused of a crime or under investigation, then you know you need a good criminal defense lawyer. A good criminal lawyer will do everything possible to help you clear your name. Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer can be quite challenging. That’s because there are so many of them in the market, making it difficult to arrive at the right one.
This article gives you some of the things that you should look for when hiring an Atlanta criminal defense lawyer. These things include:
- Experience
If you are facing criminal charges or you are being investigated for a crime, you must get a lawyer who understands criminal law. Experience should be your top factor when hiring a criminal defense lawyer. Criminal cases have high stakes; they often have significant financial penalties and maximum sentences. That’s precisely one of the reasons why you should hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Some of the questions you can ask the lawyer is how many years he has been practicing law, how often he or she appears in court, how many sentencing he or she has had in the past, etc.
- Reputation
When hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you should also consider his or her reputation. Some criminal defense lawyers are known for handling complex and high-profile criminal cases. Hiring such a lawyer can make you rest assured knowing your case will be handled by an expert. If you want to know more about a particular lawyer’s reputation, you can research reviews, testimonials, and publications.
- Good communication skills
When hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you should ensure that the lawyer knows how to communicate accordingly because you will spend most of the time communicating with him or her. The lawyer should also communicate promptly. The lawyer should also write things that make sense- which you are able to read and understand.
- Professionalism
A good lawyer should be organized and presentable. He should return your calls if he or she promises to do so. He or she should also be present during your meetings and be focused whenever you are discussing your case. The lawyer should also have a website that has all his information.
- Cost
Criminal cases such as domestic violence cases can be quite expensive compared to other types of cases. That means you may use a significant amount. But that’s justified, especially if the lawyer you are dealing with has the skills and experience needed for your case. When interviewing your potential lawyers, ask them about their hourly rates and compare them with their experience and even their track record. This will help you determine whether their rates are reasonable, too high, or too low.
- Trust your instincts
If you feel like your potential lawyer will not handle your case accordingly, you shouldn’t hire him or her. You should know that the lawyer you choose to hire will represent you; he or she will be your voice. Your freedom and reputation are on his hands. So if you don’t feel comfortable around him or her, choose another lawyer.
