5 Crucial Factors To Consider When Choosing a Criminal Attorney
Facing criminal charges can be scary. Being charged with a crime brings about the possibility of being sent to jail and paying huge monetary fines. During such challenging times, it is vital to have a criminal attorney by your side. While you have the right to proceed “pro se” (representing yourself without an attorney), it is best to hire a defense attorney. And not just any attorney, but the right criminal defense attorney. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is a task you should not take lightly. Your choice of attorney can significantly affect the outcome of your criminal case. Your choice can potentially affect your freedom, future, and even reputation. However, with many options available, selecting the right criminal defense attorney can be a daunting task. In this article, we share five factors to consider when choosing a criminal attorney to ensure you choose the right one.
- Experience and Expertise
The first and most crucial factor to consider when choosing a criminal defense attorney is experience and expertise. Being charged with a crime is a serious thing. First, you must ensure your attorney knows the law inside and out. Look for an attorney who has significant experience in criminal law and has handled many criminal cases. Second, ensure your defense attorney has experience in the relevant court. Local court experience matters. Additionally, when looking for a defense lawyer, it is crucial to choose a person with experience handling cases similar to yours. Ask potential attorneys about their experience with cases like yours.
- Success Rate
Equally as important as experience and expertise is an attorney’s success rate. You want to choose someone with a proven track record of success in handling cases similar to yours. A high success rate indicates an attorney’s effectiveness in achieving favorable outcomes for clients. It reflects their skills, experience and familiarity with the legal system and cases similar to yours. Although no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, a strong track record of favorable results can increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
- Local Connections
It can be extremely beneficial to have a defense attorney with local connections. It is a wise idea to choose someone with established relationships with judges, prosecutors, and court personnel. Such an attorney will, for instance, know who entertains plea bargains and who doesn’t. They will have a better understanding of local procedures, which can be advantageous in navigating your legal situation effectively. Such an attorney may be in a better position to come up with a winning strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital when dealing with a criminal case. Your criminal attorney should be accessible and responsive to your concerns and questions. They should be able to provide regular updates and be available to address urgent matters that may arise. Apart from assessing an attorney’s accessibility and responsiveness, you need to assess how well they listen to you. The right criminal defense attorney is the one who makes you feel heard and understood.
- Location
It is crucial to consider a criminal attorney’s geographical location, so if you need to meet them physically, this won’t be difficult. If communication between you and your defense lawyer is hindered by distance, it can adversely affect the outcome of your case.
Contact a Lehighton & Carbon County Criminal Attorney
If you need a criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania, contact our Lehighton & Carbon County criminal attorney at The Law Office of Adam R. Weaver. Esq., today to schedule a consultation.
Attorney Weaver has handled hundreds of various types of criminal cases from serious felonies, to misdemeanor crimes and DUI cases, including Appeals of Driver’s License Suspensions.
With his substantial background in bankruptcy matters, Attorney Weaver has represented Clients, including being court appointed to represent Defendants, who have been charged with financial & business-related felony crimes, such as alleged claims of embezzlement and fraud.
