One of the biggest make or break factors in your future might be the lawyer that you choose for a criminal case. Here are some of the key characteristics of an excellent criminal defense attorney.
Focuses on Your Area of Criminal Law
The first thing to note is that your best choice will often depend on what you're being tried for. Criminal law is a big area, so find a lawyer who knows your section of the law well. For instance, the laws surrounding a DUI charge will be much different from those involving drug crimes or shoplifting charges.
Is Personable
Someone who is personable will benefit you in many ways. For one, it makes the process of communicating with your lawyer that much easier. You'll be able to get on the same page quickly to put together a good case. But also, if you found that you had an immediate rapport with your lawyer, perhaps the jury will, too. In addition to presenting the facts with competence, it always helps if your lawyer can present the case with charm.
Has a Great Win Rate
It's fair game to ask about your lawyer's win rate, especially pertaining to cases that are like your own.
Has the Same Goals as You
Another thing to consider is whether the lawyer sees the same outcome as you do for the trial. If you are hoping to make a plea deal, make sure your lawyer is on the same page. If you want to go to trial, find a lawyer who is on board with that plan.
Has a Good Support Team
Finally, you may want to know that the criminal defense attorney has a good support team for you to work with. Your main lawyer probably has several cases to work on, and if they are unavailable at a specific time, will someone else be available to speak with you to alleviate your concerns of the moment? A good support team is also a key feature if you are paying out of pocket. The time of a paralegal will likely be billed at a lower rate per hour than that of your main lawyer, so it could be a good idea to ask your simpler questions of the paralegal and save the major stuff for a lawyer.
In short, there are many factors that can go into choosing the right lawyer, so make sure that you consider all of your options when you're trying to pick the right person. It would be beneficial to talk to a lawyer like Abom & Kutulakis LLP to see if you have a good case.
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