Tips for Finding the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

Hiring the best criminal defense attorney can seem daunting, especially when dealing with the repercussions of a criminal charge. It’s imperative to hire the best criminal defense attorney so your mistakes won’t follow you around for the rest of your life. 

What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many law firms handle a variety of legal situations, and may not specialize in criminal law. However, when searching for the right lawyer to handle your criminal defense, check their website to make sure they take on criminal cases. After the initial search, call their offices and ask if the law firm is regularly involved in criminal cases. If so, keep the following tips in mind when sussing out if the defense attorneys are right for your case.

Reach Out to Multiple Criminal Defense Lawyers to find one easy to communicate with

A lawyer should have a legal team, and that team should get you scheduled for a call, or return your email, within 24 hours. The right attorney will return your call. Accept nothing less. No exceptions. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, think about which one is easiest to talk to. Is there one that makes you feel comfortable when asking questions, and provides access to the entire team working on your case? Does one use non-legal terms to explain legal documents and proceedings? Go with the lawyer that makes you feel listened to, and is accessible.

Always Request Referrals

Now’s the time to ask friends and family if they know of any great attorneys in your local area. This is not the time to feel ashamed about needing a lawyer. Do you use a tax attorney, or have one that did your Living Will? Give them a call and ask for a criminal defense attorney recommendation. 

After going through the referrals, be sure to read some reviews and testimonials not just on the law firm’s websites, but also on third-party resources like Google My Business.

Local Court Experience

Having criminal defense court experience is a must, but even more important is having experience in the local courts. Your criminal defense lawyer should be familiar with the judges, prosecutors and court procedures. 

Every court has a unique set of policies and staff members, so having a criminal defense attorney with knowledge of the specific court you case is being tried, will give you an advantage. It’s critical for your case that your lawyer have local court experience.

Clear Fee Structure

Defense attorneys who only have their clients’ best interests at heart never want clients feeling lost, or confused. It applies not just to the charges their clients are facing, and the plan for defending them in court. It also applies to the bill.

If your attorney explains how they bill you, and gives you an idea of what to expect as far as fees for services, along with the total cost of your defense – that’s the law firm you want on your side. Ask a few different lawyers lots of billing questions, and make sure they break their explanations down into simple terms that you understand and feel comfortable with. 

Sincere Interest in your case

Experience is important, but so is a sincere interest in your case. You’ll have to suss out a few lawyers to see which one has the best balance of experience, along with the eagerness to defend your case with zeal and passion. 

A lawyer should dive into your case with a real interest, and a desire to get the results you want. They will want to help ease your worry, and work diligently for your future.

Who Should You Call to Help with Criminal Charges in Michigan?

At the Schwartz Law Group, Attorney Steven L. Schwartz has been advocating for his clients across Metro-Detroit for over 30 years. Don’t feel scared or embarrassed when going over the details of your case because an experienced criminal defense attorney has a history of handling criminal charges at all severity levels.

When you’re ready to speak about your case and discuss the details of your situation with n experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, call 248-930-5019 to schedule a consultation.