How to Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney

Published On: July 27, 2022Categories: Criminal Defense

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

There are different types of lawyers who specialize in different areas of the law. Criminal defense attorneys are those who specialize in criminal law and are the type of lawyer you would hire if you were charged with a crime. Everyone has the right to legal defense when faced with criminal charges, and a criminal defense attorney will help you navigate the criminal justice system, defend you in a court case, and make sure your rights are always protected. 

In What Situations Is a Criminal Defense Attorney Necessary?

Although it’s completely your choice if you want to hire an attorney or not, it’s important to know that having quality legal representation can be of great help when facing fines or prison time. If you intend to plead innocence or seek to lower your charges, you need an experienced professional to help you build your case and represent you in court to improve your chances. 

Is a Private Attorney Better Than a Court-Appointed Attorney?

There are no absolute truths when it comes to who’s better between court-appointed attorneys and private attorneys. Both can do their job equally as well, so it will depend on your specific situation which one you choose. If you are facing criminal charges against you and are unable to, or don’t wish to hire a private defense attorney, you will be appointed a public defender by the court. 

Although private lawyers charge for their services, for many people the benefits of hiring a private lawyer outweigh the cost. A private attorney will likely have more available time to dedicate to your case, will have more resources to build your defense, and many times have additional staff that can help on your case. 

How Do You Find an Attorney?

When searching for a criminal defense attorney to represent you, it’s recommendable to interview a few lawyers or law firms before you make your choice. The person who defends your case will be responsible for defending you and your rights, so it’s important to be sure you trust the person you’re hiring for the job. Many law firms offer free consultation services or free case evaluations, which will allow you to assess what you think of their work. 

As mentioned previously, when facing criminal charges, it’s ideal to hire an attorney who specializes in criminal law. If you don’t see that they have experience in criminal law, they likely won’t be the best match for you. Additionally, it’s beneficial to choose an attorney who has experience in your local courts, as they might have convenient connections or relationships that can help your case. 

If you can ask for referrals from previous clients of theirs, so you have a reference from someone else who went through a similar situation to your own. Look for an attorney who knows what they’re doing. Experience can be shown on paper, but an attorney who knows what they’re doing will make you feel safe, so when choosing your criminal defense attorney there is an element of gut instinct that should not be ignored.  

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges and want to hire a criminal defense attorney, don’t hesitate in doing so. The faster you can have a lawyer work on your case, the more time they will have to build the best defense possible to represent you in court. 

Choose a firm that has years of experience in criminal defense law. The Martinez Firm has a long and successful history of criminal defense and will make sure you are provided with the best representation possible to defend you and your rights. Contact The Martinez Firm today!

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