If you’ve been accused of committing a crime, whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, your top priority is to prepare for your next scheduled court date. The best way to do this is by immediately seeking the help of a qualified lawyer with extensive experience in the field of criminal defense law. One of the most important criteria when selecting an attorney for your case is “trust.” But how do you know who to trust?

Follow these legal tips to ensure you choose a good criminal defense lawyer who can aggressively defend your legal rights, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges or minimize your penalties, and ensure your interests are fully protected:

DO pick an attorney that practices criminal law

Whether or not your particular case will be settled through a plea bargain or headed for trial, it is vital to choose an attorney who is knowledgeable in criminal law and is able to try your case in front of a jury. Lawyers who have no experience defending criminal cases won’t have a comprehensive understanding of the rules of evidence, will have difficulty identifying the weaknesses and strengths of your case, and will have little credibility to negotiate a good deal for you.

DO steer clear of lawyers that guarantee a result

If you consult with a lawyer who promises you certain results—particularly before he’s even evaluated your case—immediately cross him/her off your list. Criminal law is complicated and every case is unique. There are no guarantees or simple answers. Any attorney who makes promises to obtain certain results in a criminal law case is not worth your trust.

DO choose a lawyer that can clearly explain your situation and your legal rights

Your lawyer should be able to simply and clearly explain the criminal charges against you, what they entail, your legal rights, what prosecution has to prove, and how evidence can be used against you in court. Your criminal law lawyer should also explain the possible consequences you may face for your charges. And remember, a lawyer should always be direct, honest, and to the point, rather than promising that you will “win your case.”

DON’T bargain shop for a criminal lawyer

While an affordable attorney is a legitimate concern, it should never be the main priority. There are too many things at stake and you need the best attorney who can ensure your rights and interests are fully protected every step of the way. Attitude, compassion, and experience are very important when it comes to choosing a criminal law lawyer.

Many lawyers will quote a flat fee, but this fee is not just for the hours they may work on your case. You are also paying for their skills, experience, and qualifications. Fees are often based on the difficulty of the case and the amount of time the lawyer and staff spend researching and preparing. Expect a larger fee if your case is expected to go to trial.

DON’T be scared to discuss lawyer fees
You have a right to know how much a criminal law lawyer will charge you before deciding to hire him or her. The lawyer should be able to tell you during the initial consultation how much the services will cost you.

Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers of The Spano Law Firm focus provides exceptional legal representation to clients throughout the Baton Rouge, Louisiana metropolitan area in criminal defense, including DUIs and DWIs, and personal injury matters. Firm principal Rhett P. Spano possesses more than ten years of experience as a trial attorney. Prior to dedicating his career to criminal defense, Mr. Spano spent three years as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans. In this capacity, Mr. Spano tried more than 50 jury trials involving a wide range of crimes. This experience gives him a unique insight into how prosecutors secure convictions- information he now uses to his clients’ advantage.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime or needs assistance with a personal injury or appeals matter, they can help. For their clients’ convenience, they maintain a flexible schedule and have a 24-hour hotline available. To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with them, contact The Spano Law Firm today or use their online contact form.

Family law is the general classification assigned to the multiple areas of legal practice that cover domestic relations. This includes a wide variety of topics and issues, from marriage and divorce to adoption and surrogacy. Below are the main points of emphasis in family law.

Entering into marriage – A marriage is not only a sacred vow made between man and wife before God; it is also a legally binding contract. It states that two people are agreeing to share every part of their lives together, including finances, debts, properties, and parenting responsibilities. Some couples make the decision to sign a prenuptial agreement, which preemptively determines how assets will be divided in the event the marriage does not last.

Dissolution of marriage – As unpleasant as it is, the fact remains that nearly 50% of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. Therefore there exists an entire set of laws governing the ensuring complications, such as alimony, division of property and assets, child custody and child support. There are two main ways to dissolve a marriage: annulment and divorce. An annulment retroactively declares a marriage null and void, as though it never took place. The prerequisites to qualify for an annulment, such as insanity and fraud, vary from to state to state. A divorce is the final termination of a marriage contract, which cancels the legal obligations and bond of matrimony between two people.

Child Issues – Understandably, either the beginning or the end of a marriage can greatly affect the lives of any children involved. Issues include, but are not limited to, custody, support, paternity, adoption, abuse, abduction and foster care.

There is also another subdivision of family law devoted to the concerns of unmarried couples, such as common law marriages and same sex partnerships. These laws also vary greatly from state to state. From Florida to California, Miami to Stockton, lawyer firms specializing in family law can help you navigate these turbulent and confusing waters.

Tampa divorce attorneys at the law offices of Carey & Millison, P.A is distinguished in the practice of Marital, Family and Civil Law as well as Family and Civil Mediation. Their Tampa Bay law firm represents clients and their families throughout Florida, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Their attorneys provide a full scope of legal services in all aspects of Family Law – paternity, divorce, alimony, child support, child custody, visitation and domestic violence actions as well as premarital and post-marital agreements.

Utilizing more than 60 years of combined experience and specialized knowledge in marital and family law, their attorneys are highly skilled in helping you effectively accomplish what is best for you and your family. If you are facing a divorce, or need compassionate mediation services or require trusted legal advice concerning other marital, family law or civil matters, you may call their law firm to arrange an appointment with one of their attorneys.