A criminal charge is a life-altering event that could jeopardize your reputation and career. When you or your loved ones face this kind of charge, one of the most important questions to answer is whether or not you intend to hire an attorney. Time might not be on your side, so you need to act fast and hire someone who will help exonerate you or lessen your charges. This quick guide to hiring a criminal defense firm can make the process a little easier.
Tips For Hiring a Criminal Defense Firm
Maintain an open line of communication
The criminal process can be very draining and complicated. Since you cannot navigate the murky waters of the law by yourself, you need to hire a good defense firm to lead you every step of the way. Hire a defense firm that provides multiple channels of communication such as email, text messages, and calls. With different methods, you can reach out in case of any queries.
Vet your attorney during your initial consultation
Before hiring a criminal defense firm, consider how accessible they are over the phone the first time you reach out. Avoid a defense lawyer who takes too long to call back or those who seem disrespectful and unwilling to listen. The first consultation via a phone call should give you a clear picture of your attorney’s tone and communication skills.
Determine whether you will hire a solo attorney or a law firm
There is also a question of picking a team or a solo attorney. Frankly, there are pros and cons in going for either a solo attorney or a firm. According to criminal lawyers at Hickey & Chung, a reputable firm will have a team of top attorneys who can put their heads and resources together and develop a solution for a complicated case. That said, do your due diligence before picking any firm or solo attorney to avoid frustrations after signing a contract.
Visit their website and read testimonials and reviews
After you have met with your criminal lawyer in person, go a step further and dig into their website. Reading testimonials and online reviews on their website will give you a clear picture of their professionalism and ability to handle cases. Steer clear of defense firms with negative reviews or multiple complaints.
Make sure they have many years of experience before hiring a criminal defense firm
An experienced law firm has had many years to familiarize itself with the judicial system. Chances are, they have dealt with a case similar to yours and know exactly what to do to help you. Ask them up front if you are unsure about their experience in defending criminal cases or their website doesn’t have a clear indication.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Firm
Depending on your case, a good defense attorney can protect your future and advise you on the best possible outcome. Just steer clear of attorneys who promise you a silver lining only for them to run off with your money. It would be best to compare the prices of various defense firms to find the one that fits your budget.
