If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, retaining the best possible defense can be one of the greatest challenges of the entire ordeal. Issues ranging from skill to price are all critical in the selection process. Below are a few tips on how to choose the right criminal defense attorney. Remember: Your choice of attorney could mean the difference between imprisonment and freedom.
First, get a criminal defense attorney who concentrates on the specific defense you need. There are many criminal defense attorneys who not only handle routine criminal defense cases but also specialize in particular areas of defense, such as traffic crime offenses, drug possession, domestic violence, violent crimes or burglary/theft. It’s essential to get a lawyer who is willing to put in sufficient time to learn about your case and your defense.
Second, understand that public defenders are commonly reserved for those who cannot afford private attorneys. Public defenders have very little time and resources to work on each case, with many of them juggling more than one hundred cases at any given time. While they may be passionate about their jobs, the reality is that they are busy and often overwhelmed, resulting in minimal representation on your behalf.
Next, make sure the attorney is experienced with your case. As mentioned before, criminal defense lawyers have different areas of skilled knowledge—and there are different types of crimes and different kinds of defenses. Make sure you are defended in the best possible manner by hiring an attorney who has specific experience in the type of case you are facing. This experience makes all the difference.
Reputation is also a tremendous factor when picking an attorney. There are many websites where people can give reviews oft their legal counsel, but word of mouth is usually the best source for feedback on an attorney.
Also think about how you want to be represented. There are different types of lawyers who handle criminal cases, ranging from extremely aggressive to passive. No trait is deemed better than the other; they simply are different methods of approaching cases. In fact, there are countless types of lawyers—from the way they dress to the way they speak. It’s your decision to decide how you want to be represented, so that you can choose the best criminal defense attorney in South Florida that fits the description.
Understanding the nature of legal fees is also important. Many criminal defense attorneys offer the option of a flat fee for all legal services performed or an hourly rate. Have the attorney explain these options to you in detail, and then select the option that is right for you.
Finally, insist on a face-to-face meeting prior to selecting an attorney. In today’s digital world, in-person meetings are often overlooked. People frequently choose to save time by calling or emailing different offices and talking to multiple lawyers without every meeting in person with them. While this tactic is ok for shopping around, phone and email conversations do very little to tell you about the character of the lawyer. Most criminal attorneys offer free personal consultations and are glad to sit down and discuss your case at no charge. Hiring an attorney can be an uncomfortable and nerve-racking experience, but the right attorney should make you feel comfortable in their office—giving you confidence to move forward with your case.
Don’t delay any longer. Contact Galanter Law to set up your Free Consultation right away. Call (305) 576-0244 or (954) 524-6600 any time, day or night. Email Galanter Law at ali@galanterlaw.com or visit galanterlaw.com.