Law/Judiciary
Pro Tips From A Murfreesboro Criminal Defense Attorney
Suppose that something happened in your life to place you in need of a criminal defense attorney. Never mind what that might be, or whether you really need one or are just being curious. It is just one of those things that are good to think through before it befalls you in real life, if you possibly can.
So, choosing a proper criminal defense lawyer to represent you can make or break your situation, and there are a few key factors that you want to always keep in mind. We talked to Red King Law’s Murfreesboro defense attorney, who gave us some valuable insight into the matter. Without further ado, here are the four essential things to look out for.
Make sure they have enough relevant experience.
This often implies an older lawyer, who has been in the field longer, and had more time and opportunities to accumulate actual knowledge about how to deal with real cases, as opposed to the book smarts of someone who had only just recently passed the Bar.
Now, most people hesitate to hire an attorney who had gotten on in their years, because they assume that such a solicitor will cost way more, and this repels clients like nothing else. However, this assumption is not always true in reality.
The vast majority of legal professionals these days offer consultations for free, so utilize that option. If nothing else, it will help mitigate some of your fears and doubts and give you a clearer picture of what you are dealing with. Also, most modern-day attorneys do accept credit card payments, if you are worried about not having sufficient cash at your fingertips. The point we are making here is, this is an investment that you do not want to skimp on.
Find the track record of the results they achieved in the past.
Seriously, people, this can never be stressed enough. Although a polished website and grandiose slogans are extremely appealing, especially before you have met your potential solicitors face to face, you want functionality, not aesthetics.
Do not ever be shy about digging into their professional history. How big of a percentage of their clients’ charges were dismissed? How many of those were just partial dismissals or shaky deals? Your potential new attorney will probably have a few testimonials from clients lined up on their website, and these are very useful, but look beyond them too. Remember,they will post for promotion, so see what governmental websites and other review platforms have to say about them.
Make sure they maintain quality communication.
Can you just imagine the anxiety of having a criminal charge to your name, but your legal counselor is nowhere on the radar? Horror, right? You have to make sure that your lawyer will keep you up to date with all the changes in your case, the good and the bad.
Establish a pattern and rules of communication and be certain that you will both stick to it like superglue. Take a look at this article for a handy guide on how to efficiently communicate with your solicitor. You would not want them to ring your phone only when the bill has been summed up.
Your new lawyer will probably have a few other cases on their hands simultaneously with yours. Do not let them make an excuse out of it. If they do not squeeze out the time to keep in touch, they’ll likely not squeeze out the effort to keep you on the nicer side of the prison bars, either.
Remember that you need to do part of the work.
This final point may seem counterintuitive to you at first glance but bear with us. Of course, the attorney is supposed to head the case – that is why you hired them – but they cannot do their job right if you make their lives difficult over it.
So, cooperate to your utmost. Provide all the papers. Be upfront about your situation every step of the way. Whatever might serve as an alibi, share it, even if it is embarrassing. Freedom always beats decency.
Got your own advice to share? Hit us up!