If you are accused of a crime, the first thing you should do is get a good lawyer. The lawyer you hire will determine whether you go free or you spend time in jail. Your freedom may very well be in the hands of the attorney you get and it is very important to make a wise decision. A mistake can be very costly both in terms of your freedom and in terms of your resources. There are some mistakes you should avoid when choosing a criminal defense lawyer.
1. Picking a name from the yellow pages
However desperate you may be, picking a random name out of the yellow pages can be a huge mistake. The chances of finding a good lawyer are slim when you are simply taking a chance. When your life is at stake, you should carry out proper research to find the best lawyer. It is much better to use the internet where you can get more information about the lawyer.
2. Using a public defender
While public defenders are good lawyers who are smart and honest, they are also often very busy and swamped with caseloads. An overworked and underpaid lawyer is not likely to give your case the attention you need. When you hire a private attorney, you pay for the lawyer’s time during the duration of the case and you can expect to get undivided attention.
3. Not hiring a criminal law specialist
When looking for a lawyer, it is very important to look for a criminal law specialist. When you hire a lawyer like Adam Weisberg, you get someone who is experienced in criminal law and knows all the nuances and procedures that are required to win cases.
4. Hiring the cheapest lawyer
Looking for an inexperienced lawyer in an attempt to save costs can be a dangerous move. It is always advisable to hire someone with years of experience, who has very likely dealt with other cases similar to yours. You should not be looking for someone inexperienced when your life is on the line. The lower fees might cost you your freedom.
5. Hiring a lawyer who avoids trials
When you look for an attorney, avoid someone who does not like going to trial. You need someone who is knowledgeable and knows how to speak in a court of law. Look for a lawyer who has earned respect in the legal field, by handling high profile cases.
When looking for a criminal lawyer, it is a good idea to talk to people in the legal field so that you can find someone reputable.