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.

If you are ever faced with having criminal charges filed against you, the first step through the process is getting in touch with your criminal defense lawyer. The right attorney can help in fighting the charges against you, while assuring you have a fair day in court. But how to know where to find the attorney for you? This article will outline the steps necessary to find your ideal criminal defense lawyer.

Talk to close family and friends to get recommendations. These are the people who will support you no matter what. Chances are they will be able to recommend lawyers who have helped them out in the past or at least point you In the right direction. As this group of people are intent on seeing you obtain the best representation available, this is the first, and in some cases, the best place to start looking.

Once you’ve got a candidate, inquire as to whether the attorney has admittance to the state bar in which the charges have been filed against you. Many attorneys have the ability to practice in multiple states, however it is important that the attorney you hire be well aware of all aspects surrounding the law in the state where the case will be heard.

Set up a meeting with the criminal defense lawyer. If you are fortunate to be out on bail, it is recommended you set up a meeting in person. Ask them to provide you with all necessary information pertaining to the case, including their defense tactics, the prosecution’s case, and what to expect throughout the process. It is important to find someone who is able to understand each nuance of the case at hand. They should be personable and able to speak to you as they would a prospective jury member.

Obtain a list of references for the criminal defense lawyer. A quality attorney should always be able to provide clients with the names and number of past clients whom they have helped. Once you have a list, contact each person and ask questions pertaining to their satisfaction with the service provided by the attorney. These past clients should have had their case heard in the same jurisdiction as you, and be happy with the experience involving the attorney in question.

Make a decision. If you find yourself questioning whether or not to choose a particular attorney, you may want to look elsewhere. Trust your gut, and go with someone you can trust. Keep in mind that you will be hiring this individual to fight for your freedom. It’s OK to be a little picky.

Connecticut criminal defense lawyers at Tindall, Holmes & Kestenband, LLC, provide representation tailored to your needs. Whether it is a personal injury lawsuit, criminal law matter, employment law issue, divorce or real estate transaction, their attorneys are ready to assist you. They are also able to be at the Spanish speaking clients’ service . Their bilingual proficiency allows them to work directly with a diverse client base, as well as experts and witnesses who may offer vital input or testimony in your case. Contact they today if you have questions about a personal injury case, criminal defense, family law, or employment case issues.