Tips to Engage the Most Suitable Criminal Defense Attorney

As of 2023, more than 77 million Americans had a criminal record. In other words, one out of every three American adults has a criminal record. This figure shows the country's alarming crime rate and why you should not be negligent.

When the authorities charge you with a crime, you should not sit idly and watch, assuming things will work out. There are several disadvantages to holding a criminal record. You must act proactively by engaging a suitable criminal defense attorney, ideally, one such as Omeed Berenjian of BK Law Group.

The court process may confuse and intimidate you as a non-legal person. You may throw in the towel in the most unexpected circumstances. However, an attorney understands the legal system, can advocate for you, and effectively represent your interests.

This piece discusses tips you can adopt to engage the most suitable criminal defense lawyer for your case.

Ways to Engage a Skilled Criminal Lawyer

An ideal criminal defense attorney goes all out for your case. They know how to gather case-winning proof for you. They do not rest on their oars until they get a desirable outcome.

However, many people don’t know how to select a suitable attorney. They mistakenly assume that finding a qualified attorney is a matter of luck. Applying the right strategy produces the desired result.

Check the Size of the Law Firm

The size of the law firm you plan to hire can be crucial. Criminal cases often involve significant financial demands. While smaller firms may offer personalized attention, they might not have the financial resources to prosecute your case effectively.

Many prefer going to larger firms because attorneys and resources are available. You do not want to involve a law firm that will get you stuck in the middle of things due to a lack of financial resources. 

However, this does not mean larger firms are always the optimal option. If you are confident that a smaller firm can satisfactorily handle your case, you should engage them. Sometimes, more prominent firms do not give clients personalized attention, especially if they feel your case will not give them the desired profit.

Ultimately, your choice of an attorney should not be based solely on the size of their firm. You must dig deep to understand the specifics and how they satisfy your needs. When you decide sentimentally, it will affect the outcome of your case.

Evaluate Online Testimonials and Reviews

An incontrovertible way of gaining insight into a lawyer’s ability to handle your case is by assessing what their past clients say about them. If past clients complain about the quality of their service, it might be a good clue to avoid such an attorney.

Ensure the reviews are from verified and unbiased sources to help you make an informed decision. Sometimes, law firms pay people to leave positive reviews on their sites. It will be dangerous to hire them based on such fake reviews. 

Reading reviews outside the law firm's website is a good idea. No logical businessperson will allow a negative review on their website. Thus, you must verify your source of testimony before using it as a yardstick to engage an attorney.

You can also ask the attorney to provide testimonials from their past clients directly. It will help you determine the types of cases the lawyer has handled. If none of the testimonials relate to your case, that lawyer might not fit your needs.

Confirm the Attorney’s Niche

As observed in the preceding paragraph, never engage a lawyer who knows nothing about your case. Engaging an attorney familiar with your type of case increases your chances of a positive outcome. 

For instance, engaging a DUI defense attorney to help you with a tax fraud case is out of place. Another example would be an attorney knowledgeable in felony cases may not do well with drug charges. 

Ask about their success rate in past cases after finding an attorney specializing in your case. How successful have they been with similar cases they have handled? You may need to continue your search if the percentage is not encouraging. 

Furthermore, you can check if the attorney belongs to any criminal defense legal body. While such an association does not guarantee that it will handle your case well, it indicates its area of legal interest. 

You can also ask for referrals from your circle. For instance, if you are facing a DUI charge that any of your friends have faced in the past, you can ask for the contact information of the attorney who handled their case, especially if it ended well. Such a referral will save you time and resources. 

Compare Fees or Charges

Apart from experience and qualifications, you must also consider an attorney’s cost before engaging them. You do not want to settle for a criminal defense attorney who will stress your pocket unduly. The attorney’s charges must align with their services.

Your preferred attorney should deliver quality services that justify their fee. If you cannot afford a criminal defense attorney’s legal fees, do not engage one. You must avoid putting yourself under undue pressure. 

Compare your preferred attorney's fee with other lawyers. While you must not necessarily settle for the cheapest, going for a lawyer whose cost is above the roof can further cause issues. You must be truthful and discuss the costs before the attorney commences work.

Final Thoughts: You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney

As observed earlier, the court processes for a criminal defense case can be intimidating and confusing. That is why you need a criminal defense attorney to save the day. You must not joke with a criminal allegation because of the dire consequences of a conviction. 

Following the tips in this piece will help you choose the most suitable criminal defense attorney for your case. You must research an attorney's background extensively before engaging them to ensure they meet your needs.