Being accused of a criminal misdemeanor or felony is a serious situation. For example, a loss could cause damage to your permanent record, impacting future employment opportunities. Even worse, being convicted of a crime can lead to prison time and years on probation. Investing in a high-quality criminal attorney ensures the best possible outcome. According to Zippia, more than 252,159 defense attorneys are currently employed nationwide. Use these tips to find the right one for the job.

Experience

Always consider an attorney’s defense experience. They should have experience defending your specific type of case. For example, a lawyer with years of experience in family court but no experience practicing criminal law wouldn’t be the best choice if you’re accused of committing a felony. You can usually see whether a lawyer specializes in a particular type of crime on their website. You can also inquire about this during your consultation.

Availability

A high-quality criminal attorney will understand that accusations happen at all hours. They’ll know you may need legal advice outside of standard business hours. These lawyers offer availability that goes beyond 5:00 PM. Ask an attorney when they're available to their clients. A high-quality attorney will understand the importance of being reachable to handle business.

Consultations

Looking for lawyers with previous experience with your type of case can help you narrow down potential lawyers to hire. Then, you need to schedule consultations with them. A consultation is an appointment to discuss your case with your potential lawyer. They’ll give you their professional opinion, let you know your chances of winning the case, and more. This is a great time to discuss payment, inquire about experience, and ask them any other questions to determine if you want to hire them.

Customer Service

A criminal attorney with experience is more than just someone who will stand beside you during the trial. They are a professional who understands how devastating this time can be. A great lawyer will be there to talk you through this stressful time. They will be compassionate and offer exceptional customer service. You won’t have to worry about them blowing you off or avoiding your phone calls.

Here at The Ford Law Firm, we understand the significance of being accused of a crime. Our experienced team of attorneys can help defend you against felonies, assault charges, DUIs, and more. We have over 25 years of experience. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We also give free second opinions!