How Do I Find a Good Criminal Lawyer?
You may already know how important it is to have an excellent attorney to call when you are facing legal issues, so the next step is finding the best one to represent you if you are looking at criminal charges. It is important to remember that not all lawyers are the same and finding the one who is right for you can make all the difference when fighting for your freedom.
Taking the time out to seek your area’s best defense attorney can ensure a more favorable outcome when facing the judge, jury, and prosecutors. Though the search process can seem daunting, especially when you are already dealing with the stress of a looming criminal conviction, it is one of the most important steps to take. Here’s what you need to know from the experienced team at Griffin Law Office.
Here’s How to Find a Good Criminal Lawyer
With so much at stake, it is worth it to take the time to find a good criminal defense lawyer. If you are looking for a good private attorney, start with word of mouth and ask your network of friends, family, and colleagues to refer you. You can do research online to find a lawyer, but it will also be beneficial to meet any prospective lawyers in person and ask questions.
How to Find a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer Online
The best criminal defense attorneys are going to have websites that include accomplishments, client reviews, important cases, and contact information. You will want to make note of their background, how many trials they have handled, or if they have handled any high-profile cases. Attorney Patrick Griffin lists all of this information and more on his website.
Beware of websites that claim to rate lawyers, like Avvo. Lawyers may pay for higher ratings and in-print accolades. Instead, stick to reviews and testimonials from former clients.
Know How to Pick a Good Criminal Lawyer
Knowing how to pick a good criminal lawyer begins with knowing which qualities to look for in a criminal lawyer. Be sure to be thorough in your search, but remember that time is of the essence; you have a lot on the line and you must protect your interests.
When facing a criminal charge, you should attempt to find an attorney who has represented defendants in similar cases. Since many lawyers specialize in certain areas of the law, it is vital to find one who exclusively litigates criminal cases. After all, hiring an attorney with experience in personal injury may not be as beneficial as hiring a criminal defense attorney. At Griffin Law Office, criminal law is all we do, and this narrow specialization proves beneficial for our clients both in and out of the courtroom.
It is perfectly acceptable to inquire about the attorney’s experience at the initial consultation. A person should not hire a defense attorney who refuses to discuss this or gives vague responses, and you should not have to sacrifice quality to find an experienced California criminal defense attorney.
What You Can Expect from the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
The following are ten tips to help you know what you should expect from the best criminal defense lawyer:
- Your attorney should be responsive.
- The right attorney will focus on criminal law and have had recent wins in cases like yours.
- The right attorney knows the local court system.
- The right attorney should have reputable references or sources.
- You should be able to speak to referrals.
- They should know basic law off the top of their head.
- Their fees should be clear.
- They should be enthusiastic about your criminal case.
- They should have confidence in the courtroom.
- They should be able to take direction from you when necessary.
A lawyer acts as a voice for their client. Ultimately, the best attorney-client relationships are those that act as a partnership in decision making and not just another case file. Thus, defendants should ask questions like these when considering a particular lawyer:
- “Do they seem like someone I can work with and talk to openly?”
- “Do they explain things in a way I can understand?”
- “Do they demonstrate a genuine desire to want to help?”
- “Do their concerns extend to my overall personal situation or just the crime I am charged with?”
If you don’t feel comfortable when speaking with a lawyer, listen to your instincts. When your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line, you need to know that you can trust this person to represent you and offer sound legal advice and advocacy.
How Much Is a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When it’s time to hire an attorney, the cost of their services is a common question. While each lawyer bills differently based on factors like personal preference and practice areas, hourly billing is the most common fee structure employed by criminal defense lawyers.
Hourly billing varies greatly and can change based on the case. Typically, you will incur a fee of $150 to $700 per hour. With an hourly structure, it is not uncommon for fees to quickly reach up to $15,000 or more for the most challenging criminal cases, but most misdemeanor and low-level felony cases will usually cost between $1,000 and $5,000 in lawyer’s fees.
A criminal defense attorney who uses hourly rates may require a retainer fee, which covers a certain amount of time. After the retainer is used, they may require it to be refreshed or begin charging you hourly.
The best way to determine how much a good criminal defense lawyer will cost is to contact them for a consultation. Most criminal defense lawyers offer free initial consultations. When you schedule a free consultation with Griffin Law Office, you’ll have the opportunity to get a better idea of how much our services will cost with no up-front obligation. You’ll also be able to ask any questions you may have about our credentials, experience, and your legal rights and options. Contact our trusted San Diego criminal defense attorneys today to get started.
