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When you’re facing criminal charges, one of the most important decisions you make is who you choose to represent you in court. With all of the options for legal representation out there, it can be overwhelming knowing what to look for and how to choose an attorney you trust. A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who handles criminal cases, usually in a specific geographic area and works on their own or in a smaller firm or partnership.
Choosing the right attorney can make a huge difference in your experience during the trial and the outcome of your case. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on the right criminal defense attorney to handle your situation.
Factors to consider when hiring a criminal defense attorney
Knowledge of local laws
Every state has its own laws and legal processes. This makes it extremely important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the proceedings and legal structure in your area. In some states, laws even vary from one courthouse to another. So hiring a local attorney will give you an advantage at navigating the specific requirements of your county. Each district also has its own District Attorney. A criminal defense attorney who is familiar with your area may have familiarity and rapport with the D.A. and can work with them to negotiate plea deals in advance. They will also be more familiar with local law enforcement and will be able to give you more local insight into how cases like yours are typically handled in your areas.
Areas of expertise
IN addition to finding an attorney who is familiar with local laws, choose an attorney with experience representing people with charges similar to yours. Different attorneys have varying expertise in different offenses, and the more experienced an attorney has represented defendants with your specific charges, the more knowledge they’ll have on the complexities of those particular cases. When meeting with an attorney for the first time, make sure to ask them specifically what kind of cases they have worked in the past to make sure they have experience that aligns with the type of representation you are looking for.
Trust and Rapport
You will have to work closely with your attorney as they sort through the specific details of your case to give you the most favorable outcome possible. You need to build and maintain strong communication during this process which requires a great deal of trust between the two of you. In the initial meeting with a potential criminal defense attorney, pay attention to the general vibe you are feeling when talking to the attorney. Be wary of a lawyer who is feeding you blanked assurances or promising too much or asking you to sign any contracts or documents before giving you time to review them. You need to be able to have a transparent and trusting relationship with your attorney so that you both remain on the same page. A trustworthy attorney will be honest with you about the probable outcomes of the cases and will work with you to make sure you get the best possible outcome for your unique situation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to get to know a potential attorney before making a final decision.
Finding the right criminal defense attorney can change your entire experience during your trial. Make sure to do your research and speak to attorneys in person. What you read online isn’t always the best representation of the information you need to know to make an informed decision. Make in-person consultations with possible attorneys to find the right fit and get your questions answered in regards to your specific case.
If you’ve been arrested on criminal charges and are looking for an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney, call Christopher T. Gore to find out more about how he can help represent your case.
