Choosing Adequate Representation with a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you've been charged with a crime, be it felony or misdemeanor, you may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to see you through the process. Even if you have no intention of fighting the charges, you are always better off with legal representation than without. Those who choose to forgo their rights to an attorney often find their rights trampled under the heavy feet of the system. If you do wish to fight, there is no question that you need an attorney by your side. Here are some things you can do to make sure you hire adequate representation.

Outcome Oriented

If you want a particular outcome from your case (a Not Guilty verdict, suspended sentence, etc.), you'll want to hire a criminal defense lawyer known for being able to secure such a result. If you want to take your case to the bitter end, fighting tooth and nail before the jury, it makes no sense to hire an attorney best known for their ability to plead their clients out. Contrarily, if you're just looking for the best deal you can get, you're probably wasting your money by hiring the most renowned and feared attorney in town.

Interview

Remember, you're hiring a criminal defense lawyer. When you meet with one for an initial consultation, don't get this concept mixed up in your head like so many people do. Because attorneys are afforded a certain level of respect (and even mythology, thanks to endless crime shows and novels), potential clients feel as if they are the ones trying to prove themselves as worthy of having the attorney take their case. While they will be evaluating the case at the same time, there's no reason to try and convince them to take your case on. Instead, ask questions that will help you determine if they are the right person for the job.

Comfort

A good criminal defense lawyer is probably going to be somewhat arrogant and argumentative by nature. These aren't necessarily traits you should use to disqualify a candidate. At the same time, however, you should feel comfortable around your attorney. If every meeting turns instantly combative and you feel a heavy weight of judgment around your neck every time he or she is in your presence, you probably need to find someone else. Finding someone who will dazzle the jury is more important than finding a friend, but it shouldn't be too hard to find someone who can be both a star in the courtroom and also be pleasant to work with.