Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Finding the right attorney is definitely one of the most important life decisions you will ever make. The first thing you must remember when selecting an attorney is that you will definitely need a criminal defense specialist (i.e. attorney) whose primary (if not exclusive) practice is dedicated to defending criminal cases. Do not make the mistake of utilizing someone who represented you in a civil matter. In fact, any reputable attorney will (or at least should) immediately refer you to a criminal defense attorney.

You must find the most skillful and experienced attorney that you can afford. Trial experience is especially important, whether you are guilty or completely innocent of the charges. Your attorney must be experienced in investigating and preparing motions concerning search and seizure law, motions to dismiss following a preliminary hearing, or reducing a felony to a misdemeanor etc. Keep in mind, a vast majority of criminal cases do not go to trial, but are instead settled through negotiating. Your attorney must therefore be respected by local judges and prosecutors with whom he or she will be negotiating.

Before you make a final decision to retain a lawyer to defend you, ask him or her to explain a defense strategy and why he or she believes it will be successful. And, again, DO NOT DELAY!!! Time is not on your side (something you should constantly keep at the forefront of your thoughts). The sooner you get an attorney involved in your case, the better off you will be. It does not matter whether you are guilty of all the charges, some of them or if you are completely innocent. You still must fined and retain the best lawyer you can afford.

Perhaps the best advice we can offer is that, no matter what attorney you select, or if one is appointed to you, be sure that the attorney clearly understands your case. You should always have your attorney explain exactly what happened to you so that you are sure he or she clearly understands the truth in full. Do not let your attorney prepare a defense based solely on what the prosecutor claimed happened! Do not think that your attorney is going to take care of everything! You absolutely have to play an active role in your defense. You are the one going to jail if you lose, not your attorney.