Take Care when Choosing a Lawyer
Facing criminal charges is a turning point in a person’s life. What happens during a person’s criminal case will affect them for the rest of their lives. Internet background searches are getting cheaper and cheaper and a person’s criminal history will determine whether or not they get a job, mortgage, etc.. Picking a defense attorney is a bigger decision than it has ever been, and it has always been huge.
There are many factors to consider when picking an attorney. Whether or not your lawyer is a former prosecutor is a huge consideration. Another important consideration is whether or not your lawyer is a trial attorney. Also, listen to your instincts when choosing a defense attorney.
It is very difficult to defend or tear into a criminal case if you don’t know how to build one. Only a prosecutor or a former prosecutor knows in detail how to build a criminal case. Only a prosecutor or a former prosecutor knows in detail what sort of evidentiary and practical problems a prosecutor faces on a regular basis.
When lawyers are accused of crimes, they usually pick a former prosecutor to defend them.
Be very aware of whether or not your attorney is an actual trial attorney. Some defense attorneys never go to trial. Most defense attorneys rarely go to trial. Only a select few defense lawyers actually try cases on a regular basis. Prosecutors know which attorneys are willing to fight them and which attorneys will eventually take whatever deal they are offered.
Make sure you know whether or not your attorney actually tries cases.
Another very important consideration is whether or not you feel comfortable with your lawyer. If you are putting your life in someone’s hands, you have the right to feel comfortable with them. Trust yourself to know which lawyer is the right fit for you. You will have to work very closely with them.