When you are facing criminal charges, whether for something serious like drug possession, or for something minor like public intoxication, it is important to retain experienced and reputable criminal defense in order to avoid the maximum penalties. Without a good lawyer, you are subject to being sentenced the full penalty for your conviction, which likely includes extensive probation and fines, community service, and even jail time.
If you want to stay out of jail and protect your reputation, it is vital that your defense attorney is a dependable and knowledgeable counselor. So how do find an attorney like this? There are various ways you can find a reputable criminal defense attorney. Continue reading to learn three tips for obtaining a quality attorney you can trust to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.
Word of Mouth
Referrals are one of the most common ways any business or professional receives new clientele. By asking around to the people you trust, you can gain some quality recommendations for criminal defense. Perhaps there is someone in your family who was charged with a DUI a few years back and they had a wonderful lawyer they recommend. Or maybe you know a friend who was in some legal trouble and they spoke highly of their criminal lawyer. By asking around, you can get honest recommendations that do not come with underlying motives.
Check Online
The internet is a central resource for almost anything you can think of that you need. You can look at reputable sites like Angie’s List and lawyer sites that recommend criminal attorneys who have a great reputation and high client reviews. Just be sure you are on a dependable site that is recognized as a dependable resource for outsourcing services like legal counsel. Do not trust sites that do not look official or professional.
Ask the Court System
Anyone who is facing criminal charges is giving the opportunity to accept free public defense from a public defender. This is the last resort and highly advised against. Public defenders are equally knowledgeable and capable as private defense attorneys, however, their work load is beyond reasonable and they cannot devote enough time or attention to each person’s case.
No matter which outlet you choose to look for an attorney, be sure you are comfortable with the counselor before making any final decisions. Feel free to ask them questions about their case history, types of charges they specialize in, their methods of communication, client testimonies, and more.
