When you are facing criminal charges, your whole life can hang in the balance. One wrong move could result in serious repercussions, like jail time. Additionally, the legal process is a tricky one that can be very confusing.
To get the best possible result for your case, you need to have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer at your side. But how do you find a good criminal defense attorney?
In this blog post, we’ll give some helpful things to consider when looking to hire a criminal defense attorney.
Use referrals
When looking for a criminal defense attorney, it is best to get referrals from friends, family members, or others who have been in a similar situation. This will help you find an attorney who has specific experience with the type of case you are facing.
Look at reviews
When looking for a criminal defense attorney, it is important to look at reviews. This will give you an idea of what past clients have thought of the attorney and their services. If you can, try to find reviews that are from people who have had a similar situation as you. That way, you can get a better idea of how the attorney performs in specific situations. Google is the best place to find reviews, but many attorneys are also listed on places like Facebook and Yelp, as well as law firm directories.
They specialize in criminal defense
When hiring a criminal defense attorney, it is important to find someone that specializes in criminal law. This is because criminal cases are vastly different from other types of legal cases, and require a specific set of skills and knowledge.
An attorney who specializes in criminal law will have years of experience dealing with the complexities of the criminal justice system. They will know what to expect during your case and will be able to guide you through the process.
Additionally, an attorney who specializes in criminal law will have a wealth of resources at their disposal. They will know which experts to consult for your case and will be able to get you the best possible outcome.
They understand local court procedure
When looking for a criminal defense attorney, it is important to find someone that understands local court procedures. All courts have expectations and procedures that lawyers must follow when appearing before them. As a result, it’s critical to make sure your attorney is aware of these procedures as they pertain to the court in question. During the trial, being familiar with the local judges would also be useful.
They are responsive
When looking for a criminal defense attorney, it is important to find someone who responds promptly to your inquiries. An attorney who is responsive will be able to keep you up-to-date on the progress of your case and will be readily available to answer any questions you may have.
Additionally, an attorney who is responsive will be more likely to keep you informed of any developments in your case. This is important, as the criminal justice system can be unpredictable. Having an attorney who keeps you in the loop will help you make the best decisions for your case.
Ask about their fee structure
When hiring a criminal defense attorney, it is important to ask about their fee structure. This will give you an idea of how much the attorney will charge for their services.
There are a few things to keep in mind when asking about an attorney’s fee structure. First, make sure you understand what is included in the fee. Some attorneys may charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat rate.
Additionally, find out if the attorney requires a retainer fee. This is a fee that is paid up-front and is generally non-refundable. The retainer fee ensures that the attorney will be available to work on your case.
Finally, ask about payment arrangements. Many attorneys will offer payment plans to help make their services more affordable.
By asking these questions, you can get a better idea of how much an attorney will cost and what to expect financially.
Ask for references
When looking for a criminal defense attorney, it is important to ask for references. This will give you the opportunity to speak with past clients who have worked with the attorney.
By talking to past clients, you can get a better idea of what to expect from the attorney. You can also ask about the attorney’s fee structure and payment arrangements.
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts, consider hiring the attorneys at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan. We’ll guide you through the process and put your mind at ease. Contact us today!