Choosing the right lawyer is crucial when facing criminal charges. If convicted, these charges could affect all aspects of your life, both personal and professional, so it’s important to choose a skilled criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. While the search can seem daunting, especially in a massive city like NYC, if you know what to look for, the process becomes immensely easier.

7 Things to Consider when Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Finding a good criminal defense lawyer that suits your needs can be overwhelming, but if you know what to look for, it doesn’t have to be. Here are seven things to consider when looking for a criminal lawyer:

1. Experience

Experience is one of the most important things to think about when looking for a criminal defense attorney. An attorney with experience in handling cases similar to yours is more likely to have a deep understanding of the legal intricacies and nuances involved in such cases. This means they’re better equipped to develop a strategic defense tailored to the specific details of your case.

Moreover, a lawyer with expertise in the relevant area of criminal law is likely to have established relationships within the legal community, including judges, prosecutors, and other key figures. This network and familiarity with the local courts can be advantageous when navigating the complexities of your case and seeking the most favorable outcome.

Further, they’re better positioned to anticipate the tactics the prosecution might use and can effectively counter them. Their familiarity with the intricacies of similar cases allows them to craft a strong defense and identify any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

2. Compatibility

Not all lawyers are a good fit for every client, and vice versa. Sometimes, you might find that you simply don’t feel compatible with a lawyer. That’s okay. It’s important to find someone you’re comfortable with and feel confident in.

Your attorney will be representing you and your interests through the process, so it’s critical to choose someone you feel that you can trust and talk openly to. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and explains your situation in a manner that you can understand. If you don’t think a particular lawyer fits the bill, it might be best to continue your search.

3. Communication

Excellent communication is crucial in a criminal defense case. Being left in the dark is stressful, especially in these sensitive matters.  Therefore,  it is important to choose a lawyer who communicates well. Look for a lawyer who is responsive and attentive.

Generally, you can gauge this within the first few interactions with a lawyer. They should respond to your queries within a reasonable timeframe and be informative and upfront about what to expect from the process.

Sometimes, your main point of contact will be another staff member at the firm. Ask your lawyer during the initial consultation who you should reach out to with questions, concerns, and update requests. They should be able to give you that individual’s contact information or provide their own if they will be your main point of contact.

4. Location

Ideally, you should choose a lawyer with experience in your area. Look for local lawyers with extensive experience in local courts. These lawyers are generally well-versed in criminal defense and have plenty of experience in local courtrooms. Each court and judge may handle things slightly differently, so having a lawyer who knows those things can be helpful in your case.

5. Reviews and Referrals

Ask your family and friends if they know of any good criminal defense lawyers. This can be one of the best and quickest ways to find an excellent lawyer near you.

Alternatively, check online for reviews and recommendations. Often, law firms have an online business profile where previous clients can share their experiences. You may find these reviews on the firm’s website or on sites like Google and Yelp.

Take a few minutes to browse through the firm’s reviews. These can give you a better idea of what to expect when working with the lawyer and help you gauge whether they might be a good fit.

6. Track Record

The best lawyers have a strong track record of success. A strong record indicates a high level of competence and experience in handling cases like yours. Criminal law can be incredibly nuanced and complicated, so having a lawyer with an in-depth understanding of cases like yours can help in navigating the specifics of your case and pursuing the most favorable outcome for you.

Beyond that, choosing a lawyer with a strong record can give you a sense of assurance and confidence in their abilities. Knowing that your lawyer has a history of successful outcomes can alleviate some of the anxiety and uncertainty that accompany legal proceedings, making the process less stressful for you.

7. Pricing Transparency

Understanding associated prices is critical before entering into an attorney-client relationship. The best attorneys keep pricing clear and easy to understand. So, when looking for a criminal defense attorney, remember to ask about their fee structure.

They should be able to break down fees for their services and give you an idea of what to expect to pay for your defense.

Meet With Your Top Choices

Once you find a few highly rated lawyers in your area with expertise in criminal defense law, schedule consultations with each one. Many top-notch lawyers offer free consultations, but some may charge for the first meeting.

During the meeting, ask the lawyer any questions you have about their services, experience, and what to expect from the process. The best lawyers should be able to explain these in understandable terms.

After meeting with a few options, select the one that best suits your needs. Let them know you would like to move forward with them as your representative, and they’ll guide you from there.

Enlist Help From Our Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’re facing criminal charges and need help navigating your case, talk to our experienced criminal defense lawyers at Rendelman Law. We’ve helped many NYC residents navigate their criminal cases and can help you do the same. Contact us at (212) 951-1232 or complete our online contact form to start with a free consultation.