Nobody plans to get arrested and therefore nobody plans to hire a criminal defense attorney. Yet when the need arises everyone wants the best criminal defense attorney. Unless you have been raised by a family of criminals you probably don’t know what to look in a criminal defense attorney. Here are the top seven things to look for in selecting a premier criminal defense attorney.
1) Former Prosecutor
People have mixed views on whether or not prosecutors make better defense lawyers. Remember prosecutors have to build a case and have lots of trial experience. I can personally attest to the vast amount of experience I got as an Assistant District Attorney.
2) Only Practices Criminal Defense
Criminal defense is a niche. There are nuances to the practices. What is done in the courtrooms and law books may sometimes be very different. You should only hire a criminal defense attorney is dedicated to criminal defense
3) Testimonials of Past Clients
Past clients are just like you. People that were in trouble and hired a lawyer. They make the best sales people. Who better to take advice from other than a person in the exact same situation?
4) No Hard Sell
If the lawyer is hard selling his or her representation that should be a warning sign. There are situation where it is best to hire a lawyer quickly but for other situations there is no real reason to rush into the case.
5) Personally Handles Cases
When someone is facing criminal charges they do not want to be represented by an associate of that attorney. When you put the time in to select the attorney that you want you should expect that attorney to be the one arguing for you.
6) Experienced
You would not hire a carpenter that has never built anything to build your dream home, why would you trust an inexperienced lawyer with your freedom. Although no two cases are the same, it is nice to know that your lawyer has dealt with issues like yours.
7) Never Makes a Guarantee
There is no way to know how any case is going to come out. Any lawyer that guarantees anything to you is probably just telling you what you want to hear. If your lawyer guarantees results, Run!
Attorney Patrick Donovan is a former Massachusetts prosecutor. Attorney Donovan has appeared in over fifty courts in Massachusetts and provides the best criminal defense. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime contact attorney Patrick Donovan today.
