If you are facing criminal charges, your first concern is probably finding a qualified criminal defense attorney. This is one of the most critical decisions you will make in terms of facing your charges. Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference when it comes to how your case will go.
There are many factors to take into consideration when you are looking for a criminal defense attorney to represent you. The following tips can help you as you research the various attorneys available in your area.
1. Ask about experience
There is no question that when it comes to choosing a criminal defense attorney, experience in the courtroom and with criminal cases makes a big difference. A new attorney may be highly qualified, but may not have any courtroom experience or knowledge of individual judges and prosecutors and their tendencies. This is the type of field experience that sets a great criminal defense attorney apart from a good one, or a new one. Be sure to find out how many years your potential criminal defense attorney has been practicing and about his or her knowledge of the local criminal justice system.
2. Check for board certification
Beyond the basic of solid experience, you should also seek out a criminal defense attorney who is board-certified. An example of this is the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law, which was established by the Supreme Court of Texas and only admits a select number of criminal defense attorneys. This is a good way to narrow down your selection to those attorneys who have already met the board’s rigorous admission standards.
3. Conduct an interview
You should set up an appointment to meet with a potential attorney before you decide whom you will entrust your case to. It is important for you to get all your questions answered, and an in-person interview can help you get a feel for whether you will feel comfortable working with the attorney. You can also use this time to discuss technical details such as fees and logistics of how your case will move through the system.
