5 Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney
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May 9, 2019Just like choosing any other service, choosing the right Houston criminal lawyer is a big decision to make. Before committing, it’s essential to do research and know what you’re looking for to make an informed decision. So how do you choose the best Houston lawyer for your needs?
It doesn’t matter if you need a criminal defense lawyer, DWI attorney, assault lawyer, marijuana attorney or another type of representation. There are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing which lawyer will represent you during this time.
Open communication
One of the main things you need to pay attention to your relationship with your attorney is how the two of you communicate. Potential red flags to look out for is your lawyer telling you what you need, rather than asking you what it is that you want.
Not every lawyer is going to be a good candidate to represent you in the trial. Your attorney should also be transparent with you and let you know if they think you are a good fit for your case. Not everyone can handle the pressure of a trial. Lawyers are used to this type of stress, but they are not the ones that will have to live with the outcome, you are. That’s why it’s crucial for your lawyer to list to you and your needs.
Also, pay attention to the rapport you keep with the attorney. You should be able to speak to them comfortably and easily without feeling judged or attacked. Ultimately, you need to choose someone that you feel comfortable sharing sensitive information with order for them to help you as best they can. The more your lawyer knows, the more they can help you.
Communicate your needs
A lawyer should present you with all of the possible outcomes, and never make promises of guaranteed results that they cannot control. Your defense lawyer should lay out the pros and cons of each option for your case. Remember that you are their client. Therefore you should be the one setting the expectations of what you want. Be open with your lawyer and tell them your expected outcomes. They should respond with facts and advice based on what you’ve told them and what they anticipate might happen based on the details of the case.
An attorney who doesn’t listen to your needs doesn’t have your best interests in mind. You want to choose a lawyer that cares about you and is not only in it for the money.
Come prepared
The first conversation when meeting a new attorney can say a lot about your potential relationship. That first meeting should make you feel comfortable and answer questions that you have about the process. Come prepared with questions about their cost, and know what your budget is. This meeting is an excellent time to talk about payment options and make sure that you can both comfortably move forward on the same page.
In Houston, certain crimes carry much more weight than others. If you’re looking for a shoplifting attorney, marijuana attorney, sexual or aggravated assault lawyer or domestic violence attorney, you need to make sure that you find someone that has experience handling these specific cases.
If you find yourself in a situation such as this or have questions about white collar criminal defense in Houston, contact Christopher T. Gore for more info on how he can help you with your specific case.