4 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a crime can be an extremely frightening experience. Thankfully, under the law, anyone who has been accused of a crime has a right to have an attorney present during questioning as well as for representation to help you throughout the court processes.
When you are facing criminal charges of any degree, your future may depend on how carefully you select representation. Although the fate of your charges ultimately rests in hands of the judge and/or jury, choosing the right criminal defense attorney for your specific circumstances may be beneficial in your favor. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right criminal attorney, and every situation is unique. When evaluating potential candidates, careful considerations of the following factors will give you a great starting point in the decision making process.
Cost
Before you even begin to interview prospective criminal defense attorneys, it is important to complete a careful assessment of your finances. Determine how much money you will have available for the entire process. You should be prepared to incur costs for court fees, restitution, and attorney fees. Keep in mind that if your case goes to trial, your legal defense fees may significantly increase.
Depending on your particular situation and requirements, you may need to seek out an attorney who offers a flexible payment plan or consider a public defender whose fees may be free of charge or significantly less than a private attorney.
Experience
One of the most critical components to consider when interviewing prospective criminal attorneys is their experience. You should pay close attention to their previous positions. For example, some attorneys begin their career working for the state, which may give them a unique insight as to how the prosecution process works.
It is important to look for experience in the area of practice that closely pertains to your specific legal situation. For example, if you are facing assault charges, you don't want an attorney that specializes in tax related charges.
Demeanor
The demeanor is a factor that is often overlooked when it comes to choosing an attorney. However, the attorney's demeanor is extremely important for the maintenance of your relationship. Personality may also play a big role in how a judge or jury responds to your attorney if your case goes to trial. You should seek out an attorney with a confident, yet personable attitude and someone who has the ability to communicate properly. It is imperative that your criminal attorney exhibit patience when explaining the technicalities of the law to you throughout every step of the process.
Track Record
Although it's tempting to simply look at wins versus losses when determining an attorney's ability to litigate, it is important that you dig a little deeper than this. Keep in mind that every case has its own unique set of circumstances, and this should be taken into consideration. Look at the prospective attorney's case results within the entire context of all details that are available to you.
Ask yourself if the attorney has a proven record of negotiating favorable terms for their clients or do they tend to accept the first offer available. You should look for an attorney with the confidence to take your case to trial if it will be more beneficial for you.
You should never be afraid to ask questions, and do not be intimidated by your lack of knowledge in the law. Remember that your criminal defense attorney will be working for you, so even though you may feel the need to hurry up and choose an attorney, it's best to slow down and do your research first. Choosing a criminal attorney, such as James D'Angelo, ESQ, is going to be one of the most important decisions you will make; the attorney/client relationship is based on mutual trust, so you should feel comfortable with your decision.