Facing DUI, theft, or any other criminal charge can be scary. This situation requires you to work with an expert who understands criminal law and can defend your rights. Note that a criminal legal battle can turn out to be a lengthy, arduous road and an attorney’s ability to defend your case tirelessly could be the deciding factor pertaining whether or not you will pay a hefty fine or go to jail.
A competent Galveston criminal defense lawyer can work towards decreasing your chances of accruing penalties and can handle your case effectively to lower any potential court fees. Therefore, choosing a good criminal defense lawyer is among the crucial decisions you will make. This expert will represent you and your interests, tell your story, make the right arguments, refute the case presented by the prosecutor, and put together the right pieces of evidence that could help you win your case. Now you’re beginning to understand why you need a criminal defense attorney.
First, do your homework
The first step in choosing a layer is to do informed research. You can begin by scouting out popular law firms that have been handling criminal defense cases in your locality. Additionally, you can consult with your peers, colleagues, and family members that may have knowledge or experience in legal processes, whether personally or professionally. It’s also important to try and locate an attorney from the jurisdiction of your arrest.
Once you spot a good law firm, check its profile to identify the individuals in the criminal defense team. You will realize that most companies provide detailed lawyer biographies regarding their educational and legal backgrounds, specializations, and other details you must consider when choosing an attorney.
Qualities
Generally, the particular qualities you seek in an attorney are unique to you, and it’s up to you to identify the professional you feel most comfortable working with. You can choose an attorney from a large firm or startup. Probably you prefer an expert with many years of experience and a larger load of case files or a lawyer who joined the industry recently and has less workload. Remember, the attorney you choose must have strong credentials, specialize in criminal law, and have the right qualities you’re looking for.
Talk to the potential attorney
Once you narrow down your list of potential attorneys, the next step is to interview them. Take note of their level of experience when it comes to handling criminal cases. Beware of the nature of questions they ask you and the nature of their explanations regarding what to expect during your trial. You should also discuss the costs involved and other important details.
In case your preferred law firm has various departments that cover particular areas of the law, it means that they can roll cases between various lawyers. In such a situation, it’s in your best interest to make sure that your case is being handled by the attorney you talked to and understands all the details about your case.