Are you looking at a possible jail time or a hefty fine? Then it’s time to hire the best criminal defense lawyer.
A criminal defense lawyer will help you navigate the complex criminal justice while preparing your legal defense and protecting your rights.
Whether arrested for committing a felony or under investigation for any other criminal activity, you need someone by your side to help you through the challenging situation. Remember, a guilty plea to any minor crime you are charged with can affect your life forever.
Fortunately, we can connect you with the best criminal defense lawyers dedicated to protecting the rights of those charged with various crimes.
Whether charged with a felony, sexual assault, drug crime, or domestic violence, we can find you a battleground criminal defense lawyer who will provide personalized attention and help clear your name.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer is a personal choice. However, having the best legal representation is critical when penalties like fines or jail time are on the line.
Some individuals, especially those facing minor charges classified as a violation, choose to represent themselves.
But other charges can be severe felonies and misdemeanors. For these, seeking the help of a defense attorney can help understand the charges.
A criminal defense attorney also determines how to build a strong case that proclaims your innocence or pursues a reduction of charges.
If getting into the criminal justice system, knowing what the criminal defense lawyer does may be of help when it comes to choosing the best attorney.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers protect defendants’ rights and help them build strong defenses to reduce arrest penalties. In criminal defense practice, a lawyer can choose to specialize in specific types of crimes.
For example, some handle only cases involving drug charges, federal charges, sex crime charges, or violent crimes. Specializing in specific areas enables lawyers to gain knowledge and experience defending against these charges.
So, what does a criminal defense lawyer do?”
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Conduct investigations
The primary role of criminal defense lawyers is to investigate and explore the facts of the case against their clients.
This can include bringing in more experts to help investigate the matter, talking to witnesses and expert witnesses, and collecting supplementary information that can increase the odds of a not guilty judgment.
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Guide the defendant
Criminal cases have so many resolution methods. A defense attorney must be there to help their client to decide how to proceed with their defense.
One of the options is to bargain with the prosecution to determine the possibility of a fair plea deal. If you don’t want a plea bargain or can’t get one, your attorney must develop a strong defense strategy to protect your interests.
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Present a defense
The case will likely go to trial if there’s no plea deal. That means the defense lawyer must present the defendant’s side of the story before the jury.
Notice that not all attorneys have the same level of experience at trial. Lawyers should be familiar with the laws and statutes applicable to their case and make persuasive arguments to the jury supporting a not guilty verdict.
They also ought to know when to argue for a mistrial.
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Appeal decisions when necessary
Appealing a conviction or sentence is not always necessary. But when a case calls for it, criminal defense lawyers are responsible for handling this part of the criminal justice system.
Criminal case appeals can be complex, so familiarity with the process is indispensable.
Public Defender or Private Law Firm?
Several options are available if you decide to hire a criminal defense lawyer. If eligible, you can consider a public defender. The other option is to hire a lawyer from a private law firm.
Both public defenders and private criminal defense lawyers are licensed to practice, but you can choose one based on your financial situation.
Public Defender
When a police officer arrests you, they must read your Miranda rights during the arrest. One of those rights is the right to an attorney; if you can’t afford a lawyer, the Court will appoint one to represent you. This court-appointed counsel is a public defender.
Every U.S state has its criteria for determining who qualifies as a public defender. If you think you are eligible, the police can find you a public defender to speak to at the time of arrest and issue you a financial questionnaire.
If the questionnaire renders you qualified to use a public defender, the Court will appoint one to help you during your case.
Private criminal defense attorney
Financially stable criminal defendants can afford a private criminal defense lawyer. Some hire a private criminal defense counsel even when they are eligible for a public defender.
When starting your quest, you will likely interview several lawyers or law firms before settling on one.
Ultimately, the lawyer you hire will represent you and your rights, so it’s essential not to hurry into this big decision.
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being charged with a felony is one of the most stressful events. If you were in a situation requiring a criminal defense attorney, you might wonder how to choose a criminal defense lawyer that best suits your case.
Here are some recommended steps to help you choose the right criminal defense attorney.
Ask for referrals
One of the best ways to get a good lawyer is by asking for referrals from family and trusted friends. If you have a lawyer friend practicing a different area of law, they can recommend an excellent criminal defense lawyer if you ask.
Another good source to utilize is your local state bar association. Most bar associations have a referral service that can match you to a lawyer in your locality.
Look for relevant experience
If you are looking for a person who will defend you well in Court, then you want a lawyer well versed in criminal law. And most importantly, a lawyer with experience in the specific type of crime you were charged with.
If charged with driving under the influence, for example, an attorney who has handled a similar case before will know the laws surrounding your offense and can work with the system to get a favorable outcome.
Consider a local criminal defense lawyer
A local lawyer is more knowledgeable about the state laws and the procedures followed in the courthouse where you will be tried.
They are familiar with the behavior and preferences of the judges and prosecuting lawyers in the area. This gives them the advantage of planning your case better.
Local lawyers have connections in the community, which they can use when handling your case. They could also be more affordable, and their proximity means you can quickly meet in person when necessary.
Another thing, with online platforms, getting a good local lawyer is so easy today. A simple Google search with the phrase “criminal defense lawyer near me” will give you a large pool of attorneys or law firms from which to choose.
You will also see reviews of former clients to know their performance.
Ask questions
To determine if the lawyer will be the best one to represent your case, ask them questions like:
- How are your charges?
- Which lawyer will be handling my case?
- How many cases have they won/lost?
- How often will I receive updates regarding my case?
These questions allow you to understand whether the attorney is someone you can get along with and whether they will be a good advocate in Court.
If they hesitate to answer your questions, that should be a sign to find another source of representation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?
A significant factor influencing legal representation is the defendant’s financial status and ability to afford a private criminal defense lawyer.
Private criminal defense lawyers charge in two ways; an hourly rate (expect to pay $150 per hour or more) or a fixed rate. These lawyers are not allowed to charge a contingency fee, where payments depend on the case’s outcome.
Very few individuals are stable enough to afford to pay an attorney without any financial strain. But making arrangements for legal representation is not often so straightforward for those in this category.
For the rest, the Court can appoint a government-salaried public defender or panel attorney for indigent defendants.
The right to a court-appointed attorney typically comes in when an indigent defendant (this is a defendant who can’t afford private criminal defense) faces a jail sentence.
If there’s no possibility of imprisonment, the defendant isn’t guaranteed to get free counsel, but this differs based on state law. Some states use a sliding scale fee to calculate how much attorney fees you should pay based on your income.
Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you or your loved one have been accused of a crime, it is essential to find a criminal defense attorney who understands the local laws and courthouse processes.
At Legal Giant, we can link you up with some of the best attorneys practicing criminal law in your state.
Do you need legal assistance? Contact us to request a consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
