- Free Consultation - Call 24/7: 248-515-6583 Tap Here to Call Us
How to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
How to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being subject to a police investigation for a crime by law enforcement officers can be terrifying. You could be arrested, detained, or charged based on the criminal allegations against you, even if they are false. You need legal representation in such situations, and it would help if you contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible.
The criminal justice system is complex, particularly for those unfamiliar with its workings. So you need a seasoned defense attorney to help you navigate the legal system. Laws impose severe penalties on offenders, so you must be proactive about hiring a competent defense lawyer if you want to avoid a conviction.
Finding a good criminal lawyer is a daunting process for many people. There are probably several lawyers around you, and it can feel challenging to identify the best criminal defense attorney to represent you.
The choice of your criminal lawyer is critical, as it goes a long way in determining the success of your case. It would help to make a careful and well-informed decision when hiring a criminal defense attorney.
Before initiating an attorney-client relationship with a lawyer, you need to know what to look for in a criminal defense lawyer. You want a qualified defense lawyer with a proven track record of success with criminal matters. You also want someone you can trust to create an aggressive defense on your behalf.
At Blank Law, PC, our legal team works with defendants to help them secure the best outcome in their criminal cases. Our expertise in handling sex crimes, child abuse cases, DUI offenses, murder, financial crimes, and other criminal offenses sets us apart as the best criminal defense lawyers in Michigan. Our law firm offers a free initial consultation to new clients, where we work with them to evaluate their cases and determine the next course of action.
How to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
It would help if you obtain competent legal counsel immediately when you or your loved one has been arrested or charged with a criminal offense. So, why hire a criminal defense attorney? You should consider hiring a criminal defense attorney if you want to beat the charges against you. Building an aggressive defense takes some time, so you should act promptly. As you consider the defense lawyers around you, ensure you know what to look for before contacting them.
You should hire a lawyer that possesses the following qualities:
● Recommended
● Experienced
● Well-Connected
● Honest About Fees
● Strong Negotiating Skills
● Integrity
● Great Communication
● Qualified
Hiring a good law firm can help you win your case, while hiring an incompetent law firm could cost you your freedom. Here are four tips to help you hire the right criminal defense attorney for your case.
Find a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Lawyer Who is Familiar with the Local Courts in the State Where You Have Been Charged
If you or someone you know is facing a criminal charge, you need a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to represent you. You do not just want any random attorney; you want someone with sufficient criminal law knowledge. A good criminal lawyer is aware of recent changes in the state’s criminal law that may affect your case. A good attorney will increase your chances of getting the charges dropped, winning at trial, or avoiding a conviction.
Most criminal defense attorneys have an area of expertise, and you should ensure that it covers the kind of crime with which you have been charged. So, if you have been accused of sexual assault, ensure a sex crimes defense lawyer represents you. If you have been charged with child pornography, you will want to find the best child pornography lawyers.
You should also consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer familiar with the local courts in the state where you have been charged. The legal system in every state differs, so you must hire a criminal defense lawyer who knows the criminal law and courts of the state in which you have been charged. Many local criminal defense attorneys have good relationships with judges and can help you navigate the criminal process easily.
Attorney Nicole Blank Becker is a top criminal lawyer representing clients facing criminal charges in Michigan.
Having worked as a former prosecutor in Macomb County, Nicole has an excellent understanding of Michigan criminal law. She is willing and ready to work with you to create an aggressive defense strategy to help you beat the charges.
Ensure the Criminal Defense Attorney Representing You has Sufficient Experience Handling Criminal Charges in Your State
Not only do you need an attorney who knows the state’s criminal law, but the right lawyer also possesses sufficient experience handling criminal charges in your state. Before hiring a law firm, check out their years of experience handling criminal cases. Also, check how long they have handled cases like yours.
Many attorneys offer free initial case evaluations, and you can consult with more than one attorney before deciding. Ensure you speak directly with the legal team to evaluate their experience. Contact the people around you and past clients, if you can, to evaluate which attorney can adequately represent you. Also, check out reviews online and read success stories from law firms.
After doing due diligence to examine the criminal defense attorney’s experiences, if you are still dissatisfied or unconvinced, do not hesitate to find another lawyer. Also, if your attorney is vague and unresponsive when you make inquiries, it may be better to hire another criminal defense attorney. You should only hire a defense lawyer you can trust to help you get the best results.
Blank Law, PC is a leading criminal defense firm that has spent many years serving clients in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and all around Michigan’s lower peninsula. Our legal team is efficient and competent in handling your criminal case to help you get the best results. We work tirelessly to fight for you and create a solid defense.
Communicate Your Expectations About the Outcome of the Case, Your Attorney’s Duties and Obligations, and Legal Fees
There are many experienced attorneys in your city, and narrowing it down to find the best one for you can be overwhelming. However, you can identify the most suitable lawyer by communicating your expectations of the case’s outcome with your attorney.
By facilitating discussions, you can determine which lawyer can help you achieve the best results in your case. A good criminal defense lawyer will help you create reasonable expectations while fighting for the most desirable outcome in your case.
It would help if you also discussed with your potential criminal lawyer to understand their role and obligations in helping you with your criminal case. You want a lawyer with your best interest at heart and who is willing to work to ensure the best results. You want a lawyer who can fight for you and help you create a solid defense plan so you can defeat the criminal charge you or your loved one faces.
In addition, you should talk with your potential attorney about their legal fees. Many defendants often assume that the best lawyers are costly and entirely out of their budgets (learn more about how much a sex offender lawyer costs here), so they settle for the cheapest lawyer they can find.
Not only is this approach detrimental to the success of your case, but you could face strict penalties because you failed to put up an excellent defense. Therefore, you should speak with your lawyers to negotiate legal fees and find a price that works with your budget. Also, many attorneys offer a free initial consultation, which is helpful.
Be Prepared to Share Your Version of the Events and the Evidence Available to You with Your Defense Attorney
Once you identify a suitable defense lawyer, you should be prepared to furnish your attorney with all the facts of your case and the available evidence. When your lawyer is armed with the right information, they can create a unique defense strategy tailored to suit your case. So, you must ensure that your attorney respects the attorney-client relationship and will protect your confidentiality.
Your criminal defense attorney can only guide you if you are sincere and transparent with them. They also advise you on the best way to conduct yourself in your interactions with law enforcement officers to ensure you do not further incriminate yourself.
Therefore, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and protected. Do not hire a lawyer you do not trust, even if they have a stellar reputation.
Contact Top Criminal Defense Attorney Nicole Blank Becker for Excellent Legal Representation
Attorney Nicole Blank Becker is an experienced lawyer who has worked with several defendants over the years. Her unique advantage as a former prosecutor distinguishes her from other criminal lawyers in Michigan. She is available to work with you to prevent you from being convicted or given a criminal record.