When you’re arrested, how can you determine whether or not your criminal defense lawyer is good?
As you might have guessed, there is great variation in the quality of criminal defense lawyers out there. Most of the time, the best measure of quality is through the attorney’s experience in handling cases that are very similar to your own. But the issue of quality representation may be much more complicated than experience alone.
In the area of criminal defense law, more lawyers than in most any other legal specialty are referred to local bar associations as to complaints calling for disciplinary action each year. Here are some potential issues that may cause your defense lawyer to provide you with less than professional representation.
It is important to keep in mind that many criminal cases do not reach a jury trial. Most criminal cases are resolved as the result of a plea agreement. Obtaining a favorable plea agreement may depend a great part on the ability, knowledge, and experience of your criminal defense lawyer. This is an area where it is especially important to select a criminal lawyer who has had experience and success negotiating plea agreements for cases similar to yours.
Does your criminal defense lawyer or juvenile lawyer respond to your calls promptly?
Does your criminal defense attorney or juvenile crime attorney just tell you what you want to hear?
Has your criminal lawyer articulated the specific ramifications and potential consequences of taking your case all the way to a jury trial?
Has your criminal lawyer given you enough time to sufficiently understand the position of a prosecutor including all possible plea proposals and potential penalties for the crimes charged?
Do you understand the details of your free agreement with your criminal defense lawyer?
Has your criminal defense lawyer or juvenile court lawyer documented your family situation including whether you have dependents to support, whether you are professionally licensed and/or whether your county of residence possesses alternatives to incarceration that you may pre qualify for?
These are all important considerations to be made when choosing your criminal defense lawyer. The more information and the better your communication, the better chance you have of obtaining a favorable outcome in your criminal legal situation. If you and your criminal defense lawyer fail to properly communicate with each other, you may miss opportunities that could help resolve your situation in your favor. That is why it is so important to make an informed decision with regard to hiring your criminal defense lawyer.
If you are facing criminal charges in the Pinellas or Tarpon Springs area, discuss your options with an experienced Clearwater criminal defense attorney today.