Criminal Lawyer: Finding One That Will Best Serve You

You or your loved one may have found themselves in a spot of trouble and now you need to get a criminal lawyer. It will undoubtedly seem like a daunting task, especially since you are likely already under duress due to your current situation. While it may not be the most pleasant thing you ever do, it is very important to interview and carefully select a criminal lawyer. Don't rely on a flashy ad on late-night television or a full color page in the phonebook. You'll need to do a bit of hunting to find an attorney that can best help you.

Fees

Probably the first question you should ask any potential attorney is how much they charge. The rates can vary from manageable to "time to take out that second mortgage and pawn the wedding ring." If you have trouble finding a criminal lawyer that offers a reasonable price, be candid and explain your financial situation as they may be willing to work out a deal with you. There are several different ways lawyers bill their clients as well. Some may just charge you a flat fee while others charge by the hour or meeting. Be sure to ask about any hidden charges that may suddenly appear. Some criminal lawyers charge for even the shortest phone calls.

Availability

Some criminal lawyers are extremely busy and take on high caseloads, meaning you might spend more time talking to their assistants than to them. You may also find that some are easier to get a hold of than others. While you won't be able to have your criminal lawyer at your every whim unless you're extremely wealthy, you should be able to rely on fairly reasonable response times. If you find a potential attorney is being particularly difficult and is impossible to get in touch with when needed, you might want to find one with a smaller group of clients so they can devote enough attention to your case.

Experience

Most criminal lawyers specialize in a narrower field. Some may continue to work with a broad scope of clients and cases, however, often times clients feel most comfortable with someone who has plenty of specific experience that relates to their case. If you are dealing with drunk driving charges, for example, a good lawyer will have dealt with many similar cases and situations. Some larger firms have access to a variety of lawyers and can help find ones that would best suit your needs. Whichever lawyer you do end up choosing, ensure that you aren't their guinea pig.

Reference and Referrals

The easiest way to find a qualified lawyer? Ask friends and family (maybe not coworkers) for referrals. If you are too embarrassed or want to maintain your privacy, you may ask potential lawyers if they can give you some references from past clients. Getting a firsthand account of how they work with clients, their experience, fees, and organizational skills is a safe bet.