Finding yourself in a legal battle is a stressful, critical time, especially if it’s a criminal matter. You need a skilled, experienced attorney to advise you and protect your rights and interests. To make sure you’re treated fairly and get the most positive outcome possible, make sure you find a lawyer you can trust will be by your side throughout the entire process. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to hire the right legal counselor.
Contact the Local State Bar Association
If you have been charged with a crime, you can let the court appoint an attorney for you, or you can hire a private lawyer. If you have the means to hire a private one but aren’t sure where to turn, your local state bar association could be a good start. This organization licenses local lawyers and ensures that they practice ethically. Attorneys must belong to the bar association in the state in which they practice. The bar can advise you on how to effectively search for and hire an attorney. The bar won’t tell you whom to hire but may give insight into possible candidates in the area of law you’re seeking.
Find Lawyers Near You and Read Reviews
Depending on where you live, there’s no shortage of attorneys to choose from. The challenge can be deciding which ones are a good fit. Identify a handful of criminal defense lawyers in the area and check out some reputable online reviews. Current and former clients can rate these lawyers and detail their experiences in working with them. Reading these reviews can help you understand what these attorneys’ strengths and weaknesses are. You may also find out helpful information about the types of cases they have tried and what their fees look like.
Interview Candidates
Many lawyers offer free consultations. Choose a few that you can meet with and discuss your case. This discussion will help prospective representatives determine whether you have a solid case. You can also get an idea of which attorneys have the most experience and which ones you connect with the best.
Get Recommendations
If you have family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who have been in a similar situation as you, ask whether they would recommend their lawyer to you. Ask lots of questions about what they liked and disliked about working with their attorneys.
Use these tips to hire a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA you can feel good about. The right legal professional can support you during this challenging time.
Thanks to The Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal law and how to find a private criminal defense lawyer.