What to Look for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

1. What to look for when Hiring a Criminal Defense attorney There are many crucial aspects that a person should consider when they are looking to hire a criminal defense attorney. This article will focus on some of the most important aspects a person should always consider before they make a crucial decision that will have a huge impact on their future. This article will give you things to consider and help you understand what to look for when you hire a criminal defense attorney. Experience There simply is no substitute for hands on experience in a criminal courtroom. It is by far the most important consideration in choosing a criminal attorney. Every case is different, as are the personalities of each, judge, prosecutor and law enforcement officer. Attorneys that have been around the local legal landscape for a long time tend to be more expensive, but it is often money well spent. Former prosecutors from your district are often good bets, as assistant district attorneys have often had extensive trial and plea bargaining experience that someone who starts out on the defense side might not have. Will the attorney provide you with good customer service? I am amazed at how many times people complain that they could never get a hold of their previous attorney. These people bitterly complain about how they left voice mail after voice mail and never had their calls returned and if they did get a call return it was days later. If the criminal law attorney you are going to consider using to defend your freedom won't give you a direct number to contact them 24/7, ask yourself why? Does the attorney bill by the hour or bill a flat rate for criminal defense cases? If your attorney bills you by the hour, make sure the hourly rate is very clear in the retainer. Even if the hourly rate is clear beware! I have heard many people bitterly complain about how they get hit with huge bills that they weren't expecting from their attorney for what appears to be a little amount of work. If you hire an attorney who charges a flat fee, you understand exactly what you will pay and when it is due. There will be no surprises! Does your attorney have bad reviews? While this isn't a fire safe method to know if your attorney does good work, several bad reviews or a lot of good reviews says a lot about the attorney you are researching. Visit sites like AVVO.com and yelp.com to see what other people have to say about the lawyer you are about to trust your freedom with. Does you attorney have ethical problems? You can visit the state bar web page of the attorney you may hire to check up on their ethical or lack of ethical behavior. In Ohio, type in the name of the attorney at the state bar web page and it

2. will tell you if the attorney is in good standing or not. At AVVO.com, you can type in the name of the attorney and it will let you know if the attorney has been disciplined. Finally, trust your gut! If you don't feel you can get along with the attorney you are about to give your hard earned money to, do not hire them! You need to have a good professional relationship with your attorney and if you feel an attorney isn't someone you can professionally get along with, don't hire them! About the Author: Tim Jack is a highly decorated attorney practicing criminal law, DUI, and family laws in and around Bowling Green Ohio. He has over 30 years of courtroom experience and he thinks sharing his knowledge of law with others is a great way to serve the community.