How to Choose a Defense Attorney
If you are charged with a crime, you will want to be cleared of the charges. You want an attorney who knows how the system works and who is knowledgeable about your type of case. There are several ways to find a competent attorney you will zealously defend you in court. Here are some tips to help you go about it.
- Ask your family, friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Find out if they have had experiences with attorneys in your community and if they can recommend one that to you. Often times, you can find a good attorney through word-of-mouth referrals. Inquire about the attorney's area of specialty, his retainer fees and his success rate in handling cases similar to yours.
- Contact the public defender's office in your area. If you cannot afford an attorney, you can ask the state to provide one for you at no charge. Call the clerk of the court where your case will be handled and she can connect you to your public defender.
- Contact your local bar association and ask for a referral. You can call this organization and obtain a list of criminal defense attorneys in your area. Also, if you are unable to get a public defender but still feel you can't afford an attorney, you can ask the bar association to find you an attorney in your area who will handle your case pro bono.
- Check the attorney's background. Before you hire an attorney to handle your case, find out about his experience as a defense attorney, if he has handled cases that are similar to yours, and his fees. Contact the Bar Association to find out if the attorney has had any cases or complaints filed against him, the nature of the case if any and the outcome. Make sure he has license to practice and maintains malpractice insurance.
- Compare several attorneys. Don't just choose the first attorney you consult. It is a good idea to consult with several attorneys and compare them based on all of the above factors. Once you find an attorney who seems to fit what you're looking for, make an appointment to see him about your case.