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5 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer

Posted by Scott Mitchell | May 13, 2016 | 30 Comments

Being accused of a crime can be one of the most frightening experiences you can endure during your lifetime. As your character, reputation, and future comes into question, it is imperative you make sure you have a powerful attorney in your corner who can defend you against your charges. But who do you trust? Amidst the myriad of different lawyers all vying to retain your business, it can be confusing to know which law firm is right to handle your case. To help you make sense of your situation and find an attorney that best fits your needs, it is important you consider the following factors.

1. Check out their client feedback and ratings: One of the best ways to gauge how an attorney will treat you is by looking at how they have treated others. Past client testimonials and scores from professional ratings organizations such as Avvo can provide an invaluable look into a lawyer's character and reputation. If others have praised them for their work, they will most likely offer you the same level of service.

2. Retain a dedicated defense attorney: While most firms claim to “handle” criminal defense cases, some firms only dedicate a small portion of their practice to criminal defense and have less experience than in other areas of law. When your freedom is on the line, you cannot afford to go with an attorney who only dabbles in criminal defense. Attorneys that have dedicated a large portion if not their entire practice to criminal law will be better equipped to defend you against the prosecution's claims and maximize your chances of success.

3. Stay away from public defenders: While public defenders are almost always the more affordable option, they are frequently inexperienced and overloaded with cases, meaning they will not be able to dedicate the necessary amount of time your case deserves. A private attorney will have a much greater investment in the outcome of your case and will be able to provide a superior level of dedication.

4. Check their educational background: The educational and professional background of an attorney can be an important factor in your decision. While an attorney's specific school may not matter, their educational recognitions and continual learning throughout their career can be notable. Choosing an attorneys that has continued their education or engaged in teaching opportunities is a plus.

5. Schedule an appointment: While an attorney's website and accomplishments can provide you with a certain level of understanding of their reputation and background, nothing can replace the importance of a face-to-face meeting. By having a real conversation with a lawyer about your case, you can get a better idea of their personality, strategy, and demeanor. It is important you go with your gut. Your attorney will most likely have your freedom in their hands, so it is important you have confidence in their abilities.

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If you have been accused of a crime in Stockton or Modesto, the powerful criminal defense lawyers at Scott Mitchell Law Incorporated are prepared to fight for your freedom to the full extent of the law. Having successfully defended hundreds of clients accused of various different offenses, we can provide the hard-hitting support you need during this difficult time.

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About the Author

Scott Mitchell

If you expect nothing but the best for legal representation in any of these areas, you should contact Attorney Mitchell as soon as you realize you need assistance. He and his firm have handled more than 4,000 cases in the areas the law he practices, so you can be confident in him and his team.

Comments

Charlotte Fleet Reply

Posted Mar 04, 2021 at 12:29:49

I appreciate you mentioning how it can be notable to look into the education history of a lawyer before you hire them for your criminal defense case. I would imagine that another great way to find a criminal defense lawyer would be to ask the people you trust for recommendations. Thank you so much, Scott, for all of your tips on choosing a lawyer for criminal defense. https://lovelllawnewyork.com/services/

beverly minyard Reply

Posted Jul 07, 2021 at 09:07:33

I like that you mentioned that public defenders are often overloaded with cases. They may be just as good as any other lawyer but if they have too many cases they won’t be able to effectively help you. My wife’s brother got arrested for robbery and he used a public defender and whenever we saw her she looked like she was about to pass out, my guess is because she worked too much. https://www.garinfamilylawco.com/criminal

Levi Armstrong Reply

Posted Jul 07, 2021 at 09:08:30

I agree that some firms only dedicate a small portion of their practice to criminal defense and have less experience than in other areas of law. I’m helping my uncle look for an attorney to defend him against felony charges from his neighbor. I’ll share this with him and his would-be lawyer to help with the case. Thanks! https://www.garinfamilylawco.com/criminal

Levi Armstrong Reply

Posted Jul 09, 2021 at 08:24:36

I agree that a private attorney will have a much greater investment in the outcome of your case and will be able to provide a superior level of dedication. My brother is being accused of stealing properties by his neighbor, so I’m looking for a lawyer just in case it goes to court. His neighbor recently filed a lawsuit, and good thing I found one already and set up a meeting between him and my brother. Thanks! https://www.kalasniklaw.com/criminal-law

Dean Phillips Reply

Posted Aug 18, 2021 at 20:02:06

My uncle called me up last Friday night and told me about how he had recently ran into some problems with law enforcement. He is now in need of a criminal defense lawyer to which I offered to help him with some research. I looked it up online and thankfully, I found your amazing article here. I really appreciate you explaining to pay attention to past client testimonies as well as professional ratings before choosing a lawyer. This is a great point you brought up, one I’m sure those like my uncle will be glad to have in mind. Thank you so much! I’ll send this over to him shortly! https://shirleywhitsitt.com/criminal-defense/

Eve Mitchell Reply

Posted Oct 29, 2021 at 14:19:24

My uncle is looking for a criminal defense lawyer. Thanks for the tip about staying away from public defenders. I’m hoping we can reach a good verdict with a lawyer. https://www.swatlaw.net/criminal-law/

Shammy Peterson Reply

Posted Nov 10, 2021 at 17:55:34

I like that you said that you can check the testimonials of the past clients of a lawyer in order to gauge how an attorney will treat you. My cousin was arrested due to a drug crime last night, and he wanted to get help to prove his innocence. It is important for him to clear his name since he has children to protect, so I will ask him to consider your tips on hiring a lawyer. https://robertjcampos.com/all-drug-crimes

Olivia Smart Reply

Posted Nov 17, 2021 at 11:24:45

Thank you for suggesting to look into their educational background. I have been wondering how you can tell you have a good lawyer. It seems like this could be a good way to learn more about them. https://www.tipton-downie.com/criminal-law/

Levi Armstrong Reply

Posted Feb 20, 2022 at 13:12:05

It’s great that you mentioned that one of the best ways to gauge how an attorney will treat you is by looking at how they have treated others. My brother needs to look for an attorney to help him file a claim against his old company. I’ll share this with him to help with the search. Thanks! https://www.absnlaw.com/michigan-attorneys

[email protected] Reply

Posted Mar 15, 2022 at 22:21:24

One of my friend wants to hire a criminal lawyer for her son’s alleged involvement in a theft attempt. Its helpful when you said that an attorney’s educational and professional history should be considered when hiring a lawyer. Thanks for your article and I would forward your blog to her so that she can get an appropriate lawyer for her son. https://gbafirm.com/Criminal-Defense-Attorney/

Shammy Peterson Reply

Posted Jun 18, 2022 at 02:18:02

I liked that you suggested checking the past client testimonials of a criminal defense lawyer in order to look into their reputation and character. This is something that I will share with my sister who was charged with a felony two weeks ago. She wanted to hire a criminal defense lawyer that has a good track record of satisfied clients in order to make her feel at ease in proving her innocence. https://www.curranlawgf.com/grand-forks-criminal-defense-lawyer

Sandra Jordan Reply

Posted Oct 03, 2022 at 08:27:42

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Luke Hawkins Reply

Posted Oct 18, 2022 at 02:05:03

This article explains how to find a reputable defense counsel. I really appreciate how you suggested choosing a lawyer that specializes in defense law, has substantial experience managing relevant trials, and has a great customer feedback rating to verify they’re well-versed in the area. This makes perfect sense, and since my friend is seeking for a defense counsel, I’ll let her know about it. Thanks. https://jeremiahsullivanlaw.com/practice-groups

Charlotte Fleet Reply

Posted Oct 19, 2022 at 13:24:33

You made a great point about it could be an important factor to take a criminal defense attorney’s educational and professional experience into account. I’d also recommend considering their track record of success. That way, you can feel more confident in your case’s chances of being successful. https://www.martinezandruby.com/services/domestic-violence/

Henry Killingsworth Reply

Posted Oct 24, 2022 at 13:00:53

I thought you made a good point when you talked about how important it is to have a face-to-face conversation when you are trying to hire a criminal defense attorney. In addition to that, it seems like it could be a good idea to meet all of the employees that the criminal defense attorney has on their team. It seems like it would be a good idea to hire a lawyer that has a stellar team. https://www.halifaxcountyncattorney.com/criminal-defense

Anna Collins Reply

Posted Oct 28, 2022 at 19:39:02

I appreciate your advice when you said to steer clear from public defenders despite them being affordable since they’re often overloaded with cases, so it’s best to leave it to a private attorney for a better outcome and superior dedication. My friend had to use force to stop his supervisor from harassing his colleague at work, but he ended up being charged with an assault case. I hope he finds a good criminal lawyer to defend him in court. https://www.condonlegal.com.au/services

Eve Mitchell Reply

Posted Mar 13, 2023 at 10:17:36

Thanks for mentioning that you can never risk working with an attorney who only dabbles in criminal defense. My brother was charged with possession of illegal substances and he’s currently working with a public defender. I think it would be better to hire an independent lawyer to fight on his behalf. http://www.rmdlaw.net

Shammy Peterson Reply

Posted Mar 18, 2023 at 20:22:42

The best part of your blog for me is when you said that by checking past client testimonials, you will be able to determine how a lawyer could possibly treat you. This sounds like a helpful tip for those who need the help of a criminal defense attorney. I could imagine how they could do your tips to ensure that they will deal with a highly recommended criminal defense lawyer. http://carteretcountyattorney.com/practice-areas/criminal-defense/

Elaina D'Agostino Reply

Posted Jun 06, 2023 at 02:17:53

I liked your suggestion about checking professional rating organizations for testimonials from previous clients. This will help because I don’t know anyone who needed a criminal lawyer before. If I checked reviews, then maybe I can talk to previous clients in person. https://www.handlawgj.com/criminal-defense-attoreny

Shammy Peterson Reply

Posted Sep 25, 2023 at 03:12:55

I liked that you said that you can get a better idea of the personality and demeanor when you consider a face-to-face meeting with a criminal defense lawyer. My father was charged with a drug-related case more than three days ago, so he is planning to consult a criminal law firm within a week or two. He wants to find a lawyer who can make him feel at ease while sharing the details of his case, so your tips will make sense to him. https://simmonslawfirm.net/criminal-law

Elle Jones Reply

Posted Oct 05, 2023 at 12:41:24

You made a great point regarding how speaking with a lawyer in person about your case might help you understand their style, approach, and manner. You must follow your intuition. You must have faith in your lawyer since they will likely hold the key to your freedom. A criminal charge that my cousin must answer in court led to his detention two nights ago. I’ll advise him to take into account your advice for picking a criminal defense lawyer so she may easily reveal all the specifics of her case. https://brittattorney.com/traffic-violations/

Lily Reply

Posted Oct 12, 2023 at 01:58:47

Okay, I get what you mean when you say that you cannot afford to hire a lawyer who specializes solely in criminal defense when your freedom is at stake. I concur that lawyers who concentrate almost all of their practice on criminal defense will be better able to counter the prosecution’s arguments and increase their chances of winning. This will be beneficial for a family friend who supposedly faces criminal accusations. I hope he selects a full-service legal team that can successfully defend him. https://www.garylmorrislaw.com/

Sam Andrews Reply

Posted Oct 12, 2023 at 03:32:12

Yikes! Looks like my niece is in trouble after her best friend got arrested last night due to a DUI offense. If you ask me, I’d advise her to consult a legal expert to manage the case accordingly. Meanwhile, kudos to you for encouraging us to rely on the service of defense attorneys who are well-educated. https://www.chinglawpllc.com/okmulgee

Elle Jones Reply

Posted Oct 27, 2023 at 10:29:21

I appreciate that you mentioned how an attorney’s training and experience may play a significant role in your choice. The particular school attended by an attorney may not matter, but their recognition for their education and lifelong learning can be important. Selecting a lawyer who has pursued further education or taken on teaching responsibilities is advantageous.
One of my friends wants to hire a criminal defense lawyer because she believes her son was involved in an attempted theft. I’m grateful for your post and will send her the URL to your website so she can look for a qualified lawyer for her son. https://www.hartlawofficespc.net/rexburg-criminal-defense

Lily Reply

Posted Nov 04, 2023 at 07:58:48

Ugh, my cousin recently found themselves in a legal predicament, facing criminal charges that could have serious consequences. Witnessing their situation, I want to help them find a reliable criminal defense law service to ensure they receive proper legal representation and guidance. I will keep in mind that examining the way a lawyer has handled other people is one of the greatest ways to predict how they will handle you. https://lawofficeoffrancisconapolitano.com/criminal-defense-legal-services-boston-ma/

lawyersonia Reply

Posted Nov 18, 2023 at 02:58:25

The tips outlined in this blog are invaluable for anyone facing the daunting task of choosing a criminal defense attorney. It’s crucial to prioritize experience, specialization, and a proven track record when making such a critical decision. This insightful guide provides clarity on the key factors to consider, empowering individuals to make a well-informed choice during a challenging time. Kudos to the author for offering practical advice in navigating this crucial aspect of the legal process.

Lily Reply

Posted Nov 19, 2023 at 05:06:58

Gosh, my acquaintance is in a very uncomfortable circumstance that has made them realize how urgently they need to seek a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in child sexual assault cases. They are struggling much with the seriousness of the situation, and their need for legal counsel is motivated by their steadfast dedication to securing justice for the affected kid as well as their intense worry. Knowing that a private attorney will be able to offer a higher degree of attention and will have a far bigger stake in the result of your case might be helpful. https://www.eauclairecriminaldefense.com/sexual-assault

Lily Reply

Posted Nov 29, 2023 at 08:32:15

Gosh, after an unexpected legal hiccup, my cousin is urgently seeking a skilled criminal lawyer to navigate the complexities of the situation. The gravity of the circumstances has turned the quest for legal representation into a priority, ensuring that justice is served and peace of mind is restored. I will let her know that examining an attorney’s past performance is one of the greatest methods to predict how they will handle you. https://naumann.law/

lawyersonia Reply

Posted Mar 22, 2024 at 03:42:21

Thank you for sharing these insightful tips! Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is crucial, and your advice provides a valuable roadmap for navigating this process. Understanding the attorney’s experience, specialization, and communication style can truly make a difference in the outcome of a case. Your guidance will undoubtedly empower individuals facing legal challenges to make informed decisions and secure the representation they deserve.

lawyersonia Reply

Posted Jun 11, 2024 at 04:31:20

Insightful tips for navigating the daunting world of criminal defense. Grateful for the valuable guidance provided here!

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