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.

After you have been injured in a serious automobile accident, the last thing you want to think about it hiring an attorney. There are several benefits that are immediately obtained when you hire an injury lawyer after a serious automobile accident.

First, hiring a qualified lawyer means that you no longer have to deal with any insurance companies or their lawyers who may be handling your claim. This includes not only your own insurance company but also the company that provided insurance to the other driver. We find that many of our clients have difficulty dealing even with their own insurance company. It is difficult to tell if your own insurance company is truly trying to assist you after an automobile accident or if it is simply protecting itself. When you hire an attorney you no longer need to deal with either your insurance company or any other company involved in the accident.

In Louisiana, lawyers are allowed to pay for appropriate medical treatment for injured clients. When you hire a law firm to handle your claim after a serious accident most law firms will assist you in obtaining medical testing and treatment. Our law firm truly believes that an injured client simply cannot prove their case in court until they have had proper medical treatment. Hiring an attorney allows you to obtain necessary medical treatment so that you can fully evaluate your claim.

A final benefit that comes from hiring an injury lawyer to handle your claim relates to the knowledge and expertise which you will receive in determining the value of your claim. An experienced lawyer can immediately assist you in deciding how much your claim may be worth. Without the help of a good lawyer who has handled many accident cases in the past, it is almost impossible to decide how much you should receive for your claim.

Finally, you should view your accident attorney as a consultant or expert that you hire to assist you with a very serious issue in your life. If an attorney is smart enough to know that it pays to obtain an expert opinion in regards to very specialized issues, certainly you should recognize that an attorney can add value to your claim. And, the fact that your attorney is mostly likely paid a percentage of the recovery means that he is a “partner” with you and has every reason to maximize your recovery since he will receive more money for his services.

Monroe auto accident lawyer Ivan Daigs has represented clients in the Monroe and Shreveport, LA areas since 2001. Mr. Daigs offers legal representation in the following practice areas: criminal law, general practice, auto accidents, drug crimes. An auto accident or a criminal drug charge in Monroe, LA can change your life in an instant. Having an experienced Louisiana attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Ivan Daigs online or call him today to schedule a consultation. Mr. Daigs can review the facts of your case and discuss your rights and options in your legal matter.