How Do I Choose a Criminal Lawyer?
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important for you to find the best criminal lawyer possible to represent you. It can be difficult, however, to choose the lawyer that is best suited to you and your case. Many criminal lawyers will say that they offer “free consultations” or that they will pursue your case “aggressively”, but when you read these things, think to yourself, what does this tell me about the lawyer?
Sometimes, such “buzzwords” don’t actually tell you very much about the lawyer and what they can do for you. It is best to research further to learn more useful information about the particular lawyer.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when trying to choose a criminal lawyer to represent you. It is best to find a lawyer with an established track record and one that has been involved in a variety of kinds of criminal cases. A lawyer with relevant experience will be better equipped to represent you. Also, try to find a lawyer who has experience with both pre-trial motions as well as in the courtroom during the trial stage.
Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Criminal Lawyer
When looking for a criminal lawyer to represent you, it is beneficial to speak with the lawyer or their staff before making a decision. This will give you the opportunity to ask them some important questions before choosing to hire them.
- Ask the lawyer if they write articles about cases and the court process.
- Find out if they have taught classes at a law school.
- Ask if they belong to any professional law associations.
- See if they have recently attended courses or seminars updating them on current criminal law.
- Ask if they provide information to the public for free.
You can also ask to see past cases and verdicts that they won. All of this information will help you to determine if a particular lawyer is right for you.
It is important to learn about a particular lawyer before deciding to take them on as your legal counsel. If you are interested in learning more about how to choose a good criminal lawyer, contact Richard Auger at Auger Hollingsworth.
